Mauro Riccò

Mauro Riccò is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences at the University of Parma, Italy, where he holds the chair of General Physics 2 for Engineering Management and serves as Director of the Materials Science and Technology program. Since 2005, he has been a confirmed Associate Professor in Physics of Matter (SSD FIS/03), following 14 years as a researcher at the University of Parma's Faculty of Engineering.

Professor Riccò's academic background includes:

• PhD in Physics (1985-1988) from University of Parma
• Degree in Physics (1978-1984) with highest honors (110/110 cum laude)

His research focuses on carbon nanostructures with three primary applications: hydrogen storage materials, superconducting fullerides, and battery electrode materials. Riccò's laboratory pioneered studies on alkali metal cluster-intercalated fullerenes achieving 6% hydrogen storage by weight, demonstrated defect-induced magnetism in graphene, and discovered superionic conductivity in fulleride-based electrolytes. His work combines advanced characterization techniques including solid-state NMR, μSR spectroscopy, neutron scattering, and SQUID magnetometry.

Analysis of his publication history shows consistent output in materials physics with recent expansion into biomedical applications. His 2024-2025 publications reveal strategic diversification into virology and biosensors while maintaining core expertise in carbon nanomaterials. This interdisciplinary shift demonstrates his ability to apply fundamental physics knowledge to emerging societal challenges.

Professor Riccò has secured significant research funding through:

• NEST-EU project "Ferrocarbon" (2005-2008) as international coordinator
• Swiss National Science Foundation Sinergia project "Hycarbo" (2010-2013)
• IRSES-EU project "MagNonMag" (since 2011)
• Multiple national research projects in Italy

He founded and directs the Carbon Nanostructures Laboratory (CNL) since 1991, maintaining active international collaborations. The laboratory's research spans chemical synthesis of nanostructures, characterization techniques, and practical applications in energy storage, with recent expansion into biomedical materials as evidenced by his 2025 sericin electrode publication.