Low-cost composite bipolar plates for PEFC stacks

摘要

With the current emphasis on more economical PEFC stacks, fuel cell developers are focusing on new technologies that offer high performance as well as low cost. One component whose cost can be considerably reduced is the bipolar plate. Besides meeting economic constraints, bipolar plates must satisfy a host of other requirements, including high electronic conductivity, low gas permeability, corrosion resistance, low weight, high strength, and manufacturability. To achieve this demanding combination of properties, we are developing new material formulations for composite bipolar plates. Commercially available, corrosion resistant thermosetting resins are combined with graphite powder to produce relatively inexpensive composite materials that satisfy current performance objectives. Traditional and non-traditional fiber reinforcements and other additives further improve the properties of the material without substantially increasing cost. Some significant advantages of these composites over existing bipolar plate materials are described, particularly in the critical areas of weight, cost, and ease of manufacture.