Premium
Reviewing Metallic PEMFC Bipolar Plates
Author(s) -
Wang H.,
Turner J. A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
fuel cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.485
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1615-6854
pISSN - 1615-6846
DOI - 10.1002/fuce.200900187
Subject(s) - proton exchange membrane fuel cell , materials science , stack (abstract data type) , composite material , coating , contact resistance , corrosion , electrode , metal , fuel cells , metallurgy , chemical engineering , layer (electronics) , computer science , chemistry , engineering , programming language
A bipolar plate is one of the most important components in a polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack and has multiple functions. Metallic bipolar plate candidates have advantages over composite rivals in excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good mechanical strength, high chemical stability, very wide alloy choices, low cost and, most importantly, existing pathways for high‐volume, high‐speed mass production. The challenges with metallic bipolar plates are the higher contact resistance and possible corrosion products, which may contaminate the membrane electrode assembly. This review evaluates the candidate metallic and coating materials for bipolar plates and gives the perspective of the research trends.