Corrosion analysis of graphite sinter as bipolar plates in the low-temperature PEM fuel cell simulated environments

Abstract

The article presents the results of research and an analysis of the possibility of using sinters made of graphite powder as a material dedicated to the production of bipolar plates for low-temperature fuel cell. The use of powder metallurgy technology allows for the production of materials that meet the requirements for fuel cell elements for the construction of elements closing a single cell (bipolar or monopolar plates) or interconnectors. The morphological and chemical analysis of graphite powder, microstructural analysis of the produced graphite sinter, and the analysis of functional properties, i.e., porosity, roughness, and corrosion resistance under operating conditions of a low-temperature fuel cell, were performed. The corrosion resistance of the graphite sinter was tested in anodic conditions (in a corrosive environment saturated with hydrogen) and in cathodic conditions (in a corrosive environment saturated with oxygen). Graphite sinters show high resistivity in both tested corrosive environments, which allows the use of powder metallurgy technology for serial production of covers for low-temperature fuel cells.