Corrosion behavior of two candidate PEMFC’s bipolar plate materials

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate corrosion behavior of bare and PbO₂-coated stainless steel 316L, as prospective candidates for bipolar plates, in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell’s (PEMFC’s) environment under operating potentials.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of potentiodynamic, as well as potentiostatic, electrochemical experiments was carried out under both anodic and cathodic potentials. Gathered data were analyzed via fast Fourier transform algorithm for further investigation. X-ray diffraction analysis was also used for determining coating characteristics upon completion of electrochemical experiments.

Findings

Results revealed that bare SS316L is a better candidate for bipolar plate material under anodic potential, as it is cathodically protected. However, PbO₂-coated SS316L is favorable under cathodic potential, as bare specimen will suffer localized corrosion in the form of pitting.

Research limitations/implications

It would be of interest if all the experiments are carried out in a PEMFC stack.

Practical implications

This research strives to promote the use of electrochemical noise measurement for practical corrosion monitoring of coated bipolar plates in fuel cells.

Social implications

Improving the corrosion resistance of bipolar plates will expedite commercialization of PEMFCs, which in turn will translate into a substantial reduction in carbon footprint.

Originality/value

This research strives to promote the use of electrochemical noise measurement for practical corrosion monitoring of coated bipolar plates in fuel cells.

Citation

Allahkaram, S.R. and Mohammadi, N. (2017), "Corrosion behavior of two candidate PEMFC’s bipolar plate materials", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 64 No. 3, pp. 293-298. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-05-2015-1540