10 October 2024

LiU will soon be opening its expanded chemistry laboratory in Norrköping. 500 new square metres will more than double the first premises opened in 2020.

En av de två nya labbsalarna. Photographer: Thor Balkhed
The original premises received the LiU environmental award for low energy use and for the fact that much furniture and other equipment were second-hand, from Återbruket. Yet again the goal has been low energy consumption, with presence-controlled LED lighting, smart fume cupboards, heat recovery of ventilation air, etc.

In the chemistry lab called "LOE Chemistry laboratory", research is being carried out in organic electronic and energy materials: synthesis of new materials, formulation of electronic ink, and more. Two larger laboratories for synthesis chemistry, three smaller labs and two rooms for measurement, plus extended storage and personnel facilities have now been added. This means more space for researchers and enables new research directions.
Fotograf: Thor Balkhed
Alexander Holm is one of the heads of unit in the extended lab.

The project was led by facilities planner Patricia Blaker at the Facilities Management Office, research engineer Lars Gustavsson at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, and the late research engineer Anna Malmström. Of course, they have also been assisted by chemistry-oriented researchers.

Investing in chemistry was a strategic LOE decision in the late 2010s. The concept of four externally funded recruitments of prominent young scientists in chemistry has been successful. These, in turn, enable established LOE researchers and others to move in new directions and spin out companies.

The Laboratory for Organic Electronics is now one of LiU’s largest departments and research environments, consisting of approximately 150 people including guest workers and scholarship recipients.

The Chemistry Lab is located in the Pronova building, built in 1852, which is part of Norrköping Science Park at the south-western end of the industrial landscape, just outside Campus Norrköping. The property is owned by Corem, and Peab has been the main contractor.

The renovation cost SEK 30 million, and equipment and furnishings cost SEK 3.4 million
Fotograf: Thor Balkhed
One example of products developed in the chemistry lab is batteries made of lignin and zinc.

Contact

Latest news from LiU

Snus cessation led to increased body weight and blood pressure

Snus users who stopped using snus experienced higher blood pressure and gained weight. This has been shown by a research group at Linköping University in a study on 33 people.

A woman sitting in a couch.

Award winner with an interest in how people solve practical problems

Blood. Engineers. Housewives. The list of subjects Boel Berner, professor emerita at LiU, has taken an interest in is long and still growing. She is now awarded the Ingemar Ingemarsson interdisciplinarity prize.

Street in a city with cars.

Disturbance-free city during construction projects

Having a holistic approach to all construction projects in a city is the most important factor for minimising disturbance. But that is easier said than done. This is shown by researchers from LiU in a new book.