Ryan M. Richards

Ryan M. Richards is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines and serves as Director of the Joint Mines/NREL NEXUS Center. His research spans renewable energy, nanoscale materials, sustainability, circular economy, and catalysis.

His research interests focus on the synthesis and application of nanoscale materials for energy conversion and environmental sustainability. The Richards group leverages collaborative efforts with NREL using in-situ characterization (microscopies, X-rays, spectroscopies), computation (molecular dynamics, DFT, machine learning), and applications (biomass/plastics upgrading, fuel cells, CO₂ capture/conversion, batteries). Key research thrusts include electrocatalysis for water splitting, high-entropy oxides for energy storage, and circular economy approaches to e-waste recycling.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on oxygen evolution reaction catalysts (particularly facet-controlled nickel oxides), high-entropy materials for solid oxide fuel cells, and sustainable processing methods like molten salt and supercritical synthesis. His work consistently bridges fundamental materials science with practical energy applications.

Richards actively recruits graduate students for the Applied Chemistry and Materials Science programs at Mines, emphasizing collaborative research with NREL. His group welcomes undergraduate researchers without prior experience.

His educational background includes a BA in Chemistry from Michigan State University, MS from Central Michigan University, PhD from Kansas State University, and postdoctoral training at Max Planck Institute fuer Kohlenforschung (Germany) and Boreskov Institute of Catalysis (Russia).