Mr. Henrik Björck | Image Processing | Research Excellence Award
Henrik Olof Björck is a Swedish civil engineer and emerging researcher associated with Chalmers University of Technology, with academic specialization in chemical engineering, material chemistry, coordination chemistry, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). His educational background combines interdisciplinary expertise in chemistry, materials science, and structural characterization techniques, reflecting a strong foundation in both theoretical and experimental research methodologies.
Education Details
Henrik Björck completed his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted a bachelor thesis focused on metabolic engineering in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The research investigated the introduction of metabolic pathways enabling the consumption of acetic acid and xylose, contributing to developments in industrial biotechnology and sustainable bio-based processes.
He later completed his Master’s and Civil Engineering degree in Material Chemistry at Chalmers University of Technology. His master’s thesis concentrated on the synthesis and structural characterization of rod-based metal–organic frameworks composed of gadolinium and manganese. The project involved advanced crystallographic and materials characterization techniques and contributed directly to a peer-reviewed scientific publication.
Research Experience
Henrik Björck has participated in several research activities involving biotechnology, surface chemistry, coordination chemistry, and materials science. During his master’s studies, he worked as a research assistant (“amanuens”) within the field of surface chemistry at Chalmers University of Technology, gaining practical experience in laboratory-based scientific research and analytical methodologies.
His research experience includes:
• CRISPR/Cas9 metabolic pathway engineering in yeast systems
• Synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
• Structural characterization using SCXRD and 3DED techniques
• Image and peak processing using CrystalMaker software
• Analysis of material properties using IR spectroscopy, TGA, EA, and gas sorption methods
• Coordination chemistry and porous material design research
Research Interests
Henrik Björck’s research interests primarily focus on:
• Coordination Chemistry
• Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
• Material Chemistry
• Structural Characterization
• Surface Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Gas Separation Materials
• Functional Porous Materials
• Sustainable Chemical Systems
• Computational and Experimental Materials Analysis
Research Summary
Henrik Björck’s research contributions are centered on the synthesis, characterization, and analysis of advanced metal–organic frameworks for potential applications in gas separation and functional material systems. His work has involved the successful synthesis of rod-based MOFs including CTH-50 and CTH-51, followed by detailed structural investigation using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED). Through image and peak processing using CrystalMaker software, he contributed to structural interpretation and framework analysis.
In addition to crystallographic studies, his research included characterization using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and gas sorption experiments. His earlier biotechnology research also demonstrated interdisciplinary capability through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated metabolic engineering in yeast systems.
Publication Details
- Björck, H.; Blick, E.; Fredríksson, J.; Hammer úr Skúoy, P.; Ytterberg, K.; Dehlén, L.
“CRISPR/Cas9 for introduction of metabolic pathways to enable the consumption of acetic acid and xylose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.”
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12380/256809
- Björck, H.; Reinholdsson, W.; Cheung, O.; Zhou, G.; Huang, Z.; Amombo Noa, F.M.; Öhrström, L.
“Extending Hexagon-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks—Mn(II) and Gd(III) MOFs with Hexakis(4-(4-Carboxyphenyl)phenyl)benzene.”
Inorganics 2026, 14, 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics14010012