Article

The Future of Heating is a Graphene Paint

This revolutionary technology provides energy savings of 40%, on average, compared to traditional electric radiators and is a competitive alternative to heat pumps. A thin, versatile, eco-friendly, and easy-to-install radiant solution.

BeDimensional SpA, a partner in the Graphene Flagship initiative, presents an innovative graphene paint capable of generating heat through electrical power, creating a thin, easy-to-use radiant heating system without mechanical components.

The performance of this cutting-edge solution has been certified by a team of professors from the University of Genoa, involved through its spin-off BuildTech srl, following the conclusion of a development started in 2023. The study involved numerous technical tests and simulations that demonstrated its high thermal conductivity, easy installation, and most importantly, significant energy consumption reduction: up to 40%, on average, compared to traditional electric radiators, competitive with heat pumps, and improved in relation to installation and maintenance costs.

A Fully Integrated Graphene Radiant Technology

The graphene paint, once applied and connected to simple copper electrodes, generates heat through the Joule effect. The system, which silently and uniformly radiates heat, ensures stable thermal distribution without stratification. Emission occurs through long-wave infrared radiation, a low-energy, non-harmful form of heat that doesn’t warm the air but instead acts directly on the body, creating a comforting sensation of thermal well-being. It installs like regular paint and adapts perfectly to common building materials, from drywall to sandwich panels, offering maximum application versatility.

Laboratory-Tested Performance for Clear Comparison with Existing Systems

Tests conducted by BuildTech on the technology developed by BeDimensional, applied on various substrates such as drywall, PVC, and polyurethane sandwich panels, confirmed the system's electrical stability, the coherence between absorbed power and obtained temperature, and a quick response to current variations. At full capacity, the surface temperature can exceed 110°C with an average consumption of only 35 W/m², making the technology ideal for heating buildings with low power consumption.

The graphene paint was also subjected to building-scale simulations to directly compare it with a floor radiant system powered by a heat pump. The results demonstrated greater energy efficiency of the graphene system, with lower annual energy consumption, reduced operating costs, and no maintenance required.

Application Versatility and Concrete Benefits

In addition to energy advantages, graphene paint improves living comfort through direct heating of interior surfaces. Its versatility allows for use in both new constructions and renovation projects, in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It is particularly suitable for critical environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, where direct heating of interior surfaces helps prevent the formation of condensation and mold. The technology is also well-suited for modular applications, prefabricated construction, and lightweight, low-inertia building systems.

The absence of mechanical components and ease of installation also reduces costs and time, offering new opportunities for paint manufacturers, building material suppliers, and HVAC system providers, with a significant improvement in acoustic comfort within indoor spaces.

With no visible radiators or units, this system offers designers complete aesthetic freedom and tidier, more functional environments.

Industrial Innovation Stemming from Research

With this project, BeDimensional confirms its ability to transfer its technical know-how into concrete industrial applications, enabled by the industrial-scale production capacity of its two-dimensional crystals. Today, graphene paint is a tangible example of how 2D materials can profoundly innovate key sectors like construction, contributing to the development of more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced buildings.

This innovation aligns perfectly with European and national energy transition and emission reduction goals, confirming BeDimensional's commitment to the strategy of decarbonisation and sustainable industrial development

For further information:

Andrea Gamucci - a.gamucci@bedimensional.it

Federico Giunto - f.giunto@bedimensional.it

MSL – Press Office BeDimensional Spa

Alessandro Pavanati - Tel. +39 3471265589

Marco Capetti - Tel. +39 3442777516

Email: bedimensional@mslgroup.com

BeDimensional SpA

BeDimensional is a partner in the Graphene Flagship initiative, and a leading company in the production and development of high-quality few-layer graphene (FLG) and few-layer hexagonal boron nitride (FLhBN or FLB). Its mission is to produce these two-dimensional crystals on an industrial scale and at competitive costs, revolutionising the manufacturing sector with more efficient, sustainable, and high-performance materials

Founded as a spin-off from the Graphene Labs of the Italian Institute of Technology Foundation, a global center of excellence in materials research, BeDimensional’s deep scientific know-how serves as the foundation for its business plan aimed at a rapid transition towards full industrialisation.

BeDimensional’s process produces FLG and FLhBN with atomic-layer thicknesses, making them the highest quality materials available on the two-dimensional crystals market. These crystals can be easily integrated into any material, endowing it with multiple properties that enhance its performance and durability. BeDimensional’s technologies have been successfully applied in a variety of sectors, from energy storage and conversion products to smart textiles, paints, coatings, and composite materials.

BeDimensional’s proven technologies and growth potential have attracted the interest of major investors such as Eni Next, venture capital funds including CDP Venture, Eureka! Venture, and Nova Capital, as well as the European Investment Bank.