Jacopo Catalano’s work addresses how physical and chemical transport processes influence the behavior of electrochemical and biotechnological systems. A central aspect of his research is the modeling of coupled phenomena, such as mass transfer, reaction kinetics, and fluid dynamics-in systems where multiple phases and processes interact simultaneously.

Within CORC, he contributes to the project “Microbes versus gas bubbles”, which investigates how gas bubble formation affects microbial electrosynthesis (MES) and gas fermentation processes. The project combines computational modeling with experimental validation to better understand how bubbles influence system performance and scalability.

A key challenge in these systems is that gas bubbles, while necessary for supplying reactants such as hydrogen, can also limit performance by reducing mass transfer and disrupting microbial activity. The project therefore focuses on quantifying and modeling these interactions, including how microbes can both hinder and enhance gas transfer under different conditions.

Catalano’s role centers on the development of models that describe coupled mass transport and electrochemical processes, as well as the translation of detailed simulations into practical engineering correlations. This includes contributions to CFD-based models of reactor systems and the integration of experimental data to improve predictive accuracy.

He works closely with CORC PIs Jo Philips, Pourya Forooghi, and Michael Kofoed in this interdisciplinary effort, which combines expertise in microbiology, electrochemistry, and fluid dynamics. Together, they aim to develop modeling tools that can guide the design and optimization of CO₂ conversion technologies at scale.