Boiling—a process most take for granted—has captivated the research of Associate Professor Matteo Bucci, who has spent the past decade uncovering its hidden complexities. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Bucci’s work is unlocking the potential of this ancient phenomenon to improve industrial systems across energy production, electronics cooling, water desalination, and more.
The Science Behind Boiling
While boiling appears straightforward, its mechanics are far more intricate when applied to industrial systems such as nuclear reactors. At its core, boiling enables the transfer of heat, but rapid bubble formation can create a vapor barrier that limits this process, known as the “boiling crisis.”
Understanding and overcoming this challenge is critical for enhancing the efficiency and safety of nuclear reactors and other energy systems. Bucci’s lab at MIT has pioneered diagnostic tools that provide unparalleled insight into boiling phenomena, compressing decades of experimental data into single-day experiments.
Advancing Energy Systems
In 2023, Bucci and his collaborators developed a unifying model to address the boiling crisis, with implications extending far beyond nuclear reactors. Boiling heat transfer is crucial for improving:
- Nuclear reactor performance: Defining and pushing the limits of heat transfer can enhance reactor safety and output.
- Electronics cooling: Using two-phase immersion cooling, hot server components boil surrounding liquids, passively cooling systems and reducing energy consumption in data centers.
- Carbon footprint reduction: Improved cooling methods for data centers, which are projected to account for 10% of global CO₂ emissions by 2040, can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Bridging Engineering and Research
Bucci’s engineering roots stem from his upbringing in a small Italian village where he honed mechanical skills in his father’s machine shop. A passion for understanding and constructing systems led him to pursue nuclear engineering at the University of Pisa. After earning his PhD in France, Bucci joined MIT in 2013, focusing on heat transfer and reactor safety.
His lab now explores innovative materials, coatings, and diagnostic techniques, providing a window into the extreme conditions inside nuclear reactors.
Supporting Future Researchers
Bucci emphasizes mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists. His lab, known as the Red Lab, cultivates an environment where students develop confidence and problem-solving skills, often through hands-on experiments, including zero-gravity research aboard airplanes.
“We’re not just training students; we’re preparing future researchers,” Bucci says. “Providing them with tools and independence is key to solving complex challenges.”
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Bucci’s team is also incorporating AI into thermal sciences to process experimental data and model complex phenomena. In 2023, Bucci co-founded the AI Thermal Fluids journal to encourage collaboration between computer scientists and thermal engineers.
“AI has the potential to guide us where direct observation isn’t possible, helping uncover the root causes of many problems,” Bucci explains.
A Vision for the Future
From understanding boiling physics to advancing sustainability in energy and data systems, Bucci’s work demonstrates the potential of reimagining basic processes. With a focus on efficiency and innovation, his research is transforming industries and paving the way for more sustainable technologies.
For Bucci, each discovery fuels the next challenge. “The best work is always ahead of us,” he says, reflecting his drive to continuously improve and explore new frontiers in engineering and science.
Sources: https://news.mit.edu/2025/unlocking-hidden-power-boiling-matteo-bucci-0102
