Sintered materials for bipolar plates

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of opportunities of the application of stainless steel for interconnectors in fuel cells. The investigations also included microstructural analysis of sintered materials in terms of use of them as interconnectors in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Corrosion resistance in sinters made of a stainless steel was analysed in sulphate solutions; general corrosion resistance and pitting corrosion resistance were tested in the presence of chloride ions. Due to the multifunctionality of materials for interconnectors, selection of these materials is extremely difficult. Results of the investigations of corrosion resistance prove that corrosion resistance is connected with the structure of material and chemical composition of sinters.