Comparative Study of Electrical Conductive Coating Materials on Al Alloy-based Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Applications

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S.J. Narasimharaju
K. Annamalai
G. Anandkumar
P. Jagan

Abstract

Fuel Cells (FC) are electrochemical devices that generate electricity with the help of hydrogen fuel. Bipolar plates (BPs), end plates, electrode assemblies for the membrane and gas diffusion layers make up proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). As a result of their large impact on the PEMFC's volume, price and weight, the BPs are the key component among the others. BPs are created using lightweight, highly formalized aluminium (Al) alloy. To boost the electrical conductivity of the Al alloy BPs, an effective method is to enhance the surface modification methods used on the BPs and coat them with a conductive materials. In addition to nitrides, carbides and polymers coatings, graphene, copper, carbon and other coating materials can be used for improving the high electrical conductivity. The main objective of this study is to present a comprehensive summary of the bare Al alloy and Al alloy coated with the electrically conductive materials such as copper, carbon and graphene-based coatings for BPs.

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