Applicability of extra low interstitials ferritic stainless steels for bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Ferritic stainless steels can be attractive bipolar plate materials of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), provided that the stainless steels show sufficient corrosion resistance, for instance, by eliminating interstitial elements such as carbon and nitrogen. In the present study, thus, ferritic stainless steels (19Cr2Mo and 22Cr2Mo) with extra low interstitials (ELI) are evaluated to determine demanded level of chromium content to apply them for PEMFC bipolar plates. In a simulated PEMFC stainless steel can be applicable to bipolar plates for PEMFC, especially 22 mass % of chromium content in ferritic stainless steel with ELI system is, at least, demanded to ensure stable cell performance.

A Review of Metallic Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Materials and Fabrication Methods

“…Ferritic stainless steels also have been considered as possible bipolar plate material; but, initially their ICR and corrosion resistant properties have been reported to be inferior to those of austenitic stainless steels [71]. More recently, however, it has been reported that the inclusion of small amounts of chromium can substantially improve the corrosion resistance of such plates in simulated and real PEMFC environments [72]. Kumagai et al [72] conducted a series of experiments on ferritic stainless steel plates in simulated and real PEMFC environments.…”

“…More recently, however, it has been reported that the inclusion of small amounts of chromium can substantially improve the corrosion resistance of such plates in simulated and real PEMFC environments [72]. Kumagai et al [72] conducted a series of experiments on ferritic stainless steel plates in simulated and real PEMFC environments. It was reported that by reducing the amounts of carbon and nitrogen and maintaining a minimum of 22 wt% chromium in the ferritic stainless steel plates, comparable performance in terms of corrosion resistance and ICR is observed.…”