Effects of surface treatment on metal foam for PEM fuel cell application

• Main Authors: Yen-yuan Cheng, 鄭延元
• Other Authors: Chung-Jen Tseng
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/20538794960016351732

碩士 === 國立中央大學 === 機械工程學系在職專班 === 101 === In this study traditional graphite flow field of PEM fuel cell was replaced by metal foam and thin metallic plate. Several surface treatments were employed increase the corrosion resistance of the metal foams. The surface properties, corrosion characterisitics at different temperatures, and their effects on fuel cell performance were investigated. The metal foam used in this study has a porosity of 0.95 as purchased. It has good electrical conductivity, gas permeability, and water removal ability. However, metal suffers from corrosion in fuel cell environment. Therefore, several surface coatings were used to increase its corrosion resistance. Results show that, in addition to increasing hydrophobicity, the PTFE treament also helps to increase metal foam’s corrosion resistance. From the results of 100-hr durability test, the cell with nitride coating foams has the best stability. Although its cell performance is slightly lower than the cell with gold plated foams, it is a promising alternative for its stability and lower cost.