Flow-nano

Flow-nano, established in Milan, Italy in June 2023, is a deep-tech company focused on enhancing the performance of redox flow batteries (RFBs), a promising technology for long-duration energy storage. The company spun out of X-nano, an IP-focused firm originating from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) that develops nanotechnology for the energy transition.

The company's core business is the development and supply of advanced, nanostructured electrodes to manufacturers of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Flow-nano's patented technology involves a proprietary deposition technique that coats carbon fabrics with spherical carbon nanoparticles, or "carbon-nano onions". This process significantly increases the electrode's active surface area, enabling it to operate at a power density up to three times higher than the current state-of-the-art. The primary benefit for their clients—battery manufacturers—is a substantial reduction in the cost per unit of power and energy, addressing the high costs that currently limit the widespread adoption of flow batteries. By improving efficiency and lowering costs, Flow-nano aims to make VRFBs a more competitive and reliable solution for the long-duration energy storage market, which is critical for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid.

Flow-nano was founded by a team with deep expertise in nanotechnology and energy. Laura Giorgia Rizzi, the CEO, has a Ph.D. in Physics and a strong background in managing and patenting nanotechnology projects. Fabio Di Fonzo, the CSO/CTO, has 25 years of experience in functional nanomaterials, holding numerous patents and authoring over 100 scientific papers. Their collective research, particularly at the Center for Nano Science and Technology at the Italian Institute of Technology, formed the basis for the company's core technology. In December 2024, the company secured a €1 million convertible loan from Tech4Planet, a technology transfer hub of CDP Venture Capital SGR, to scale its technology from the laboratory to a pre-industrial level.

Keywords: long-duration energy storage, redox flow batteries, nanostructured electrodes, vanadium redox flow batteries, carbon nanoparticles, energy transition, grid storage, sustainable energy, battery components, nanotechnology, advanced materials, deep tech, electrochemistry, energy efficiency, VRFB, LDES, cleantech, stationary batteries, renewable energy storage, advanced manufacturing, power density