The performance research of TaC modified 316L bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

摘要

Summary The corrosion resistance and conductive property are two crucial factors affecting the performance of bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this research, a TaC coating is deposited on a 316L bipolar plate through plasma surface modification technology. The electrochemical property of bare 316L and TaC modified bipolar plate has been studied in a simulated PEMFC operation environment. The electrochemical analysis indicates that the performance of bipolar plate has been significantly improved due to the effective effect of TaC modified coating. An obviously decreased corrosion current density is represented by TaC modified bipolar plate and the corrosion potential is more positive in a simulated electrolyte environment. A satisfactory water contact angle of 80.5° is obtained to be beneficial to the water management of PEMFC after surface modification. Furthermore, the TaC‐316L bipolar plate presents a minor interfacial contact resistance (ICR) and maintains a favourable result after the potentiostatic polarization test.