Investigations on novel low-cost graphite composite bipolar plates

Abstract PEM fuel cells are viewed as one of the most environmentally friendly propulsion systems for automotive travel in the future. The PEM fuel cell is still too expensive for wide-spread commercialization. To achieve this cost target and at the same time meeting several technical requirements for mass production, a novel type of low-cost bipolar plates has been developed by SGL Technik GmbH. In this paper, test results of novel SGL bipolar plate materials concerning electrical conductivity (including material resistivity and contact resistances), corrosion, chemical compatibility, gas tightness and mechanical strength are presented. Based on the measurements of resistivity and cell performance, the investigated material appears to be a good choice for stable high performance PEMFC bipolar plates.