Properties of graphite-stainless steel composite in bipolar plates in simulated anode and cathode environments of PEM fuel cells

The use of a graphite-stainless steel composite as bipolar plates (BP) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has been evaluated. The study covers measurements of mechanical properties, microstructural examination, analysis of surface profile, wettability, porosity and corrosion resistance of the composite. The corrosion properties of the composite were examined in 0.1 mol dm−3 H2SO4 + 2 ppm F− saturated with H2 or with O2 and in solutions with different pH: in Na2SO4+ 2 ppm F− (pH = 1.00, 3.00, 5.00) at 80 °C. The performed tests indicate that the graphite modified with stainless steel can be a good choice to be used as a bipolar plate in PEM fuel cells.