Research progress in composite graphite bipolar plate materials and properties

Abstract

Bipolar plates play a role in electron transfer, gas distribution, water management, supporting membrane electrode assembly in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and is also a key component to ensure low cost of fuel cell stack. In this paper, bipolar plate materials (metal, graphite and composite materials), functions, advantages and challenges are reviewed. Among them, the composite graphite bipolar plate stands out with its long cycle life and high corrosion resistance, and has received high attention in recent years. The factors related to the conductive network formed by graphite (including the size and shape of filler and the auxiliary filler bridging graphite particles), the composition and curing conditions of polymer, and the influence of the molding process conditions on the properties were discussed in this paper. In the future, the development of composite graphite bipolar plates with excellent comprehensive performance, making existing formulas and forming methods suitable for large-scale production by mastering and optimizing the balance between polymer structure and reaction path on their performance, will greatly enhance the large-scale application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in more fields.

Keywords

• bipolar plate
• graphite
• resin
• composite material
• pemfc