Mines Research Magazine: Catalysis is one of the most important processes in the world, and collaborative efforts at Mines aim to make it more efficient
We speak of presidential candidates as “catalysts for change.” We know we have a catalytic converter in our car. But few people understand just what the word means, or how vital catalysis—the acceleration of a chemical reaction via a specialized material, or catalyst—is for supporting life, fueling the economy and building a sustainable future. Colorado School of Mines Chemistry Professor Ryan Richards wants to change that.
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Mines Magazine Faculty Spotlight: Ryan Richards
Chemistry and Geochemistry professor Ryan Richards may not have expected his future to involve researching the interface of catalysis and nanoscale materials. But, he says, it turns out that interface is one of the most exciting areas of modern science, and it sits at the forefront of the quest for a sustainable future.
“Catalysts facilitate chemical transformations from starting materials to products. For example, your catalytic converter transforms nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into lesser environmental hazards,” says Richards, who directs the Materials Science Program at Mines. “The products of catalytic processes account for about 35 percent of the gross world product and fertilizers generated through the Haber catalytic process sustain nearly 33 percent of the global population.”