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Optimization of a Carbon Composite Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2011

Theodore M. Besmann ,
John J. Henry Jr ,
Edgar Lara-Curzio ,
James W. Klett ,
David Haack  and
Ken Butcher
Theodore M. Besmann
Affiliation:
Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN 37831–6063, USA
John J. Henry Jr
Affiliation:
Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN 37831–6063, USA
Edgar Lara-Curzio
Affiliation:
Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN 37831–6063, USA
James W. Klett
Affiliation:
Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN 37831–6063, USA
David Haack
Affiliation:
Porvair Fuel Cell Technology Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Ken Butcher
Affiliation:
Porvair Fuel Cell Technology Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
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Abstract

A carbon composite bipolar plate for PEM fuel cells has been developed that has high electrical conductivity, high strength, light weight, is impermeable, and has the potential for being produced at low cost. The plate is produced by slurry molding short carbon fibers into preform structures, molding features into the green body, and using chemical vapor infiltration to strengthen the material, give it high conductivity, and densify the surface to make it impermeable. Current efforts have focused on optimizing the fabrication process and characterizing prototypical components.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 756: Symposia EE/FF – Solid-State Ionics – Materials for Fuel Cells and Fuel Processors , 2002 , FF7.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

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References

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