Aluminium-based current collector plate for PEM fuel cells

Important results from the project

This prestudy concerns current collector plates (CCP) for PEM fuel cells. In addition to a literature study, the project has developed methods / methodology for the production of aluminum-based CCP, accelerated aging, as well as characterization of contact resistance and surface oxidation. Al-based test-samples and CCPs have been coated with NiP and NiP / Sn by autocatalytic and electrolytic processes. The samples were studied before and after exsitu and insitu tests in a climate chamber and in a fuel cell. The received data forms the basis for a follow-up project.

Expected long term effects

Samples coated with NiP and NiP / Sn were exposed to temperature and moisture cycles ex-situ in a climate chamber and their contact resistance was determined before and after. Measured contact resistances at 200 N / cm2 for metal-metal and metal-GDL were less than 4 and less than 12 mOhm / cm2, respectively. With the accelerated aging methods ex-situ used, reproducible results have been obtained. The developed methods work and will be powerful tools in future R&D project where you want to develop CCP and bipolar plates (BPP) for future fuel cell stacks.

Approach and implementation

The methodology of the project consists of both data collection such as literature studies and experimental activities. The aim of the literature study was to investigate the current state of technology and research on CCP plates and how these can be characterized and aged (especially exsitu) with respect to contact resistance and surface oxides. The methods were implemented in various ways on coated specimens and CCP plates, which have been aged ex-situ and in-situ. The samples have been characterized with respect to contact resistance before and after the aging experiments.