A review of modified metal bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In recent years, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been widely studied due to its high energy efficiency and non-polluting products. As a key component of PEMFC, bipolar plates (BPPs) play an important role in isolating reaction gas, distributing flow field, collecting electrons and conducting heat. Metal BPPs have excellent manufacturing performance, low cost, and mechanical strength. Therefore, it is considered to be a powerful substitute for traditional graphite BPP. The surface modification of metal BPP is essential for its application in PEMFC. In this review, the latest developments in popular coatings were reviewed from the perspective of corrosion resistance, conductivity and contact angle of metal BPPs in PEMFC environments. The strengths and weaknesses of different surface modification methods were analyzed. Meanwhile , the development trend of future commercialization was also considered. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.