Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cell

摘要

The corrosion resistance of several bipolar plate metallic materials candidates was evaluated in the chemical environment encountered in PEM fuel cells. The value of PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) was calculated for metallic materials and compared with the corrosion current. PREN is not useful in bipolar plates research. Only SS 316 and Inconel 625 are suitable for use as a flow-field plate on the cathodic side of a PEM fuel cell. Because of its Mo content, Inconel 625 has a higher corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of AISI 444 is satisfactory so the material is acceptable for bipolar plate materials. The corrosion resistance of SS ferritic (70% Fe) is higher and cannot been considered as material for bipolar plate materials.