Sintering Stainless Steel as Bipolar Plate Material for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Bipolar plates (BPs) are key components of fuel cells. Functions of materials used for fuel cells include even distribution of gas fuel and air, conduction of electricity between the adjacent cells, heat transfer from the cell as well as prevention of gas leakage and cooldown. Furthermore, the material must show particular corrosion resistance under cell's working conditions. Meeting particular requirements or prevention of the abovementioned situations will allow for efficient operation of the cells. Due to multifunctionality of fuel cell plates, choice of materials used for plates is immensely difficult. This paper presents opportunities of application of a new technology of powder sintering for creation of parts for electricity and heat generators. Sintering stainless steel of 304LHD, 316LHD, and 434LHC were studied as candidate bipolar plate materials. Opportunities for use stainless steel sinters were analyzed based on stereological and microstructure examinations. In order to determine the resistance to corrosion in the environment of fuel cell's work, potentiokinetic curves as a function of temperature were registered in synthetic solution (0.1M H2SO4 + 2ppm F-).