Porous Carbon Materials for Elements in Low-Temperature Fuel Cells

Abstract

The porosity, distribution of pores, shape of pores and specific surface area of carbon materials were investigated. The study of sintered graphite and commercial carbon materials used in low-temperature fuel cells (Graphite Grade FU, Toray Teflon Treated) was compared. The study covered measurements of density, microstructural examinations and wettability (contact angle) of carbon materials. The main criterion adopted for choosing a particular material for components of fuel cells is their corrosion resistance under operating conditions of hydrogen fuel cells. In order to determine resistance to corrosion in the environment of operation of fuel cells, potentiokinetic curves were registered for synthetic solution 0.1M H2SO4+ 2 ppmF-at 80°C.

Keywords

• fuel cell, bipolar plates, corrosion resistance, porosity, carbon materials