The development of economical bipolar plates for fuel cells

One of the major challenges in the production of economical polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells for automotive applications is the development of materials for the generation of bipolar plates which meet all the property requirements and can be readily manufactured to impart fine channels for transporting hydrogen and oxygen. Bipolar plates can be made from various materials with the most common being graphite, metal, carbon/carbon, and polymer composites. Each type of material has its strengths and weaknesses. Materials for polymer composites are relatively inexpensive and channels can be formed by means of compression or injection molding. The key is to develop a balance between sufficient electrical conductivity and mechanical properties while allowing for rapid, continuous manufacturing.