The Bryce S Richards Lab

Richards Lab develops materials and energy technologies centered on advanced photonic, catalytic, and solar-conversion materials. The lab works on metal oxides, metal-organic frameworks, phosphors, perovskites, nanocrystals, and membrane-based systems, with a strong focus on how structure, defects, and interfaces control optical and functional performance. Its research spans luminescent materials for sensing and security marking, photovoltaic-thermal and hybrid solar collectors, and renewable-energy-powered membrane technologies for desalination and filtration. Students in the lab can expect work that combines synthesis, materials characterization, spectroscopy, diffraction, and device-oriented testing. The lab is especially interested in turning fundamental materials chemistry into practical technologies for energy harvesting, water treatment, and optical sensing.