Preparation of Multi-Layer Film on Stainless Steel as Bipolar Plate for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

In the present study, we try to prepare hydrophobic film coated on stainless steel as the bipolar plate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Magnetron sputtering (MS) was adoped to prepare the Cr3Ni2/Cr2N multi-layer coated on stainless steel. The corrosion resistance and electrical conductance of the coated substrate were tested. The water contact angles were measured. The film exhibits improved corrosion resistance and electrical conductance. The corrosion current is 0.58 mu A.cm(-2) and the contact resistance at 240N.cm(-2) is 8.5m Omega.cm(2). Meanwhile, it is a kind of hydrophobic film with water contact angle of 107 degrees. The performance shows strong dependance on microstructural characteristics. The nano-protrudes on the SS304/Cr3Ni2/Cr2N surface result in the film with hydrophobic property, just like the effect of lotus surface.