Bio-Based Conductive Polymer Composite Materials for Fuel Cells Bipolar Plates

Abstract

Conductive polymer composite materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells bipolar plates have been successfully prepared from renewable plant biomass sources. The composites are based on various conductive fillers (natural, oxidized and colloidal graphites) and the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural synthesis by-product resin that consists of complex furanic oligomers and polymers. The influences of the resin content and type of conductive filler were investigated. The conductivity of the composite are decreased with increasing resin content, but its mechanical properties are improve. A sample with a resin content of 10 wt. % and colloidal graphite filler have showed the optimal balance between electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The interfacial contacting resistance, flexural and compressive strength of the composite were 0.035 ohm•cm2, 18.4 MPa and 21.4 MPa, respectively. Composite based on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural synthesis by-product resin and conductive filler (colloidal graphite) are showed a great potential application as bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

Fluoroplastic- and Bio-Based Composites Materials for PEM Fuel Cells Bipolar Plates

“…In the process of producing 5-HMF by-products are solid humins and liquid resin that consist of complex oligomers and polymers. Earlier, we showed the possibility of using liquid resin as anticorrosion coating metal bipolar plates [13] and a binder in conductive polymer composites [14].…”

Fully Renewable Composites Based on Agricultural Waste

“…1b). In our previous works these resins were successfully used to obtain the composites based on plant fibers (wheat and rice) [14] and graphite-based electrically conductive composites [15]. In this work, composite materials with goose feather wastes as a filler and resinous waste from HMF production as a binder have been developed (Fig.…”