Ryan P. Morco, PhD
Analytical Chemistry
Assistant Professor
Email: rpmorco@up.edu.ph
Office Room and Phone No.: T131, Local 3664
Lab Room and Phone No.: Rxxx
Research Laboratory: Radiation-Induced Chemical Systems Laboratory (RICheS Lab)
Education & Background
| Undergraduate | BS Chemistry, Cagayan State University, 2004 |
| Graduate | PhD Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 2020 MS Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 2014 |
| Postdoctoral & Visiting Scholar Fellowships | Postdoctoral Research Associate (Radiation Chemistry), Idaho National Laboratory, USA, 2021-2024 Postdoctoral Associate, Western University, Canada, 2020-2021 |
| Previous Employment & Appointments | Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 2011-2020 Science Research Specialist, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, 2005-2011 |
Teaching
| Chem 16: General Chemistry I |
| Chem 17: General Chemistry II |
| Chem 329: Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry |
Research
Research Focus
Radiation Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics
At the RICheS Lab, we explore the transformative role of ionizing radiation in chemistry, materials science, and energy systems. Our research advances the understanding of how radiation-induced chemical processes can be harnessed or mitigated in key areas such as:
- Materials performance, corrosion and degradation chemistry in nuclear and extreme environments
- Radiolysis modeling for predicting radiolytic species reactions in gases, liquids, and solids
- Radiation-enhanced electrochemistry for water splitting for hydrogen and CO₂ conversion
- Remediation and encapsulation of radioactive contaminated materials
- Radiation-assisted synthesis of nanomaterials for electrocatalysis applications
We aim to provide deeper scientific insight and innovative solutions for safe nuclear operations, clean energy production, and environmental stewardship..
Selected Publications
(1) R. P. Morco, L. A. Diaz, M. M. Ramirez-Corredores. Radiation-assisted electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO. Sustain. Energy Fuels. 2025, 9, 424-431. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE00484A
(2) M. M. Ramirez-Corredores, H. W. Rollins, R. P. Morco, C. A. Zarzana, L. A. Diaz. Radiation-induced dry reforming: A negative emission process. J. Clean. Prod. 2023, 429, 139539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139539
(3) G. P. Horne, R. P. Morco, A. R. Cook, S. P. Mezyk. Dioctyl ether radiolysis under used nuclear fuel reprocessing conditions: Foundational knowledge for the development of sacrificial ligand grafts. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2023, 213, 111217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111217
(4) R. P. Morco, J. M. Joseph, D. S. Hall, C. Medri, D. W. Shoesmith, J. C. Wren. Modeling of Radiolytic Production of HNO3 Relevant to Corrosion of a Used Fuel Container in Deep Geologic Repository Environments. Corros. Eng. Sci. Techn. 2017, 52:sup1, 141-147. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478422X.2017.1340227
Awards & Extension Work
| Awards and Recognition |
| 2019: Canadian Nuclear Achievement Award, Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) R.E. Jervis Award 2017: Roy G. Post Foundation Scholarship Award (in Nuclear Waste Management) |