A novel graphite/phenolic resin bipolar plate modified by doping carbon fibers for the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract In this study, the carbon fibers treated by three methods were selected as a reinforcement to investigate the influence on the properties of composite bipolar plates. The properties and microstructure of the composite bipolar plate were characterized by the four-point probe, universal test machine, contact angle tester and scanning electron microscopy. The optimum treatment methods and the fiber content were analysed. The results showed that the carbon fibers treated by Fenton reagent for 2 ​h exhibited the best performance, which could improve the electrical conductivity and the flexural strength for composite bipolar plate. Besides, the optimal content content of carbon fibers treated by Fenton reagent was 4%. The maximum power density of the PEMFC with the composite bipolar plates could reach 662.75 ​mW ​cm−2 in H2-air conditions. Therefore, the phenolic resin/graphite composite bipolar plate modified by doping carbon fibers was a promising candidate for bipolar plate materials for PEMFC.