A Review of Metallic Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Materials and Fabrication Methods

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell offers an exceptional potential for a clean, efficient, and reliable power source. The bipolar plate is a key component in this device, as it connects each cell electrically, supplies reactant gases to both anode and cathode, and removes reaction products from...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shahram Karimi, Norman Fraser, Bronwyn Roberts, Frank R. Foulkes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
Series:Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/828070
Description
Summary:The proton exchange membrane fuel cell offers an exceptional potential for a clean, efficient, and reliable power source. The bipolar plate is a key component in this device, as it connects each cell electrically, supplies reactant gases to both anode and cathode, and removes reaction products from the cell. Bipolar plates have been fabricated primarily from high-density graphite, but in recent years, much attention has been paid to developing cost-effective and feasible alternative materials. Two different classes of materials have attracted attention: metals and composites. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the current research being carried out on metallic bipolar plates, covering materials and fabrication methods.
ISSN:1687-8434
1687-8442