Carbon composite bipolar plates

Thermoset-based graphite composite is one of fhe composite materials often used to fabricate bipolar plates. The major filler or reinforcemenf in fhe composite is graphite in a form of powder, flake, or fiber, with additions of carbon powder/fiber (mainly to reduce the cost). 

Besmann, T. M., J. J. Henry, Jr., E. Lara-Curzio, et al. 2003. Optimization of a carbon composite bipolar plate for PEM fuel cells. Materials Research Society Proceedings 756 F7.1.1-F7.1.7. 

Besmann, T.M. et al., Carbon/carbon composite bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, J. Electrochem. Soc., 147, 4083, 2000. 

Wolf, H. and Willert-Porada, M., Electrically conductive LCP-carbon composite with low carbon content for bipolar plate application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, J. Power Sources, 153, 41, 2006. 

The MCFC is a promising power generating source because of its unique characteristics such as high fuel efficiency and ability to use various carbonaceous fuels. Although Ni-10wt% Cr is used in the state-of-the-art MCFC as anode, it needs to be improved in terms of better creep and sintering resistance. In spite of the development in the alternate cathode material research, lithiated nickel oxide has been the choice of cathode material in the kilowatt-level MCFC stacks developed by many companies. Continuous research in the development of stable electrolyte retention matrix, identification of suitable molten carbonate electrolyte composition, and additives to the electrolyte will be a significant milestone. Also, research in the area of current collector/bipolar plate to overcome... 

Figure 1. Infrared Images of Carbon Composite Bipolar Plate Material Samples...

During this period, the mechanical properties of the carbon composite bipolar plate material were assessed, including measurements of uniformity and defect distribution by infrared imaging. The results indicate good material uniformity and substantial resistance to torsional stresses. Significant improvement in the wetting of the material was demonstrated after a simple oxidation treatment. 

T. D. Burchell, Carbon Composite Bipolar Plates for PEMFC, 26 Annual International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 13-18, Cocoa Beach, FL. 

E. Lara-Curzio, Carbon/Carbon Composite Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cells, National Meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, March 10-14, New Orleans, LA. 

IV.D.20 Scale-Up of Carbon/Carbon Composite Bipolar Plates... 

Develop carbon/carbon composite materials for bipolar plates that meet or exceed target property criteria... 

Thermoplastic carbon composite materials are a favonrable material combination for bipolar plates becanse they can be mannfactnred by the mass production process of injection monlding [102]. Electrical condnctivity of a carbon composite requires a high content of carbon, nsnally a mixtnre of graphite and active coal. The percolation limit of the graphite in the polymer binder has to be exceeded, leading to direct contact between graphite particles. Additionally, a basic condnctivity of the polymer matrix by the smaller active carbon particles is achieved. The injection... 

Kim M, Yu HN, Lim JW, Lee DG (2012) Bipolar plates made of plain weave carbon/epoxy composite for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Int J Hydrogen Energy 37 4300 308... 

Mathur RB, Dhakate SR, Gupta DK, Dhami TL, Aggarwal RK (2008) Effect of different carbon fillers on the properties of graphite composite bipolar plate. J Mater Process Tech 203 184-192... 

The analysis of carbon materials used as catalyst support, gas diffusion layer, and current collector and bipolar plates is performed in Chap. 7. A number of carbon materials including carbon blacks, nanotubes, nanofibers, and structured porous carbon materials are analyzed and compared as catalyst support in direct methanol fuel cells. Commercial and non-commercial gas diffusion layers are described along with the role of the mesoporous layer on the fuel cell performance. Finally, synthetic graphite and carbon composites used as current collector and bipolar plates are discussed, focusing on their mechanical and electrical properties and production costs. 

The effects of the hybrid carbon fillers on the physical properties of the composites for their application as bipolar plates of fuel cells have been investigated. Different types and different sizes of the conducting fillers show synergistic effects on the flexural strengths and the electrical conductivities. 

Kim NH, Kuila T, Kim KM, Nahm SH, Lee JH. Material selection windows for hybrid carbons/poly(phenylene sulfide) composite for bipolar plates of fuel cell. Polym Test 2012 31(4) 537 5. 

T. M. Besmann et al., Carbon/Carbon Composite Bipolar Plate for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 147(11), 4083-4086 (2000). 

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