Carbon-Polymer Composite Bipolar Plate for HT-PEMFC

Graphene reinforced carbon-polymer composite bipolar plate is developed using resole phenol formaldehyde resin, and conductive reinforcements (natural graphite, carbon black, and carbon fiber) using compression molding technique. Graphene is reinforced into the composite to alter various properties of the composite bipolar plate. The developed composite bipolar plate is characterized and the effect of temperature on mechanical and electrical properties is investigated with an overall aim to achieve benchmark given by US-DOE and Plug Power Inc. The flexural strength and electrical conductivity of the composites was almost stable with the increase in temperature upto 175 degrees C. The composite bipolar plate maintained high in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivities, which is about 409.23 and 98Scm(-1), respectively, at 175 degrees C. The flexural strength and shore hardness of the developed composite was around 56.42MPa and 60, respectively, at 175 degrees C, and on further increase in the temperature the mechanical strengths deceases sharply. The electrical and mechanical properties of the composite bipolar plates are within the US-DoE target. However, the various properties of the composite bipolar plate could not be sustained above 175 degrees C.