A new strategy of carbon - Pb composite as a bipolar plate material for unitized regenerative fuel cell system

In this study, we investigated the possibilities and combination of cost-effective materials of carbon (C) and lead (Pb) with polypropylene (PP) polymer as a new kind of bipolar plate for unitized regenerative fuel cell and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell systems. The homogeneous composite structure of C:Pb developed through facile mechanical milling process, and optimized. The new bipolar plate was fabricated with PP using compression molding process with hot pressing techniques. A dense and smooth surface morphology of C:Pb bipolar plate was acquired with the uniform thickness of 1.33 (+/- 0.17) mm. Compared to C, an improved electrical properties (similar to 20%) obtained to the powdered C:Pb composite materials because of homogeneous composition of Pb metal particles with large surface area of C. The C:Pb bipolar plate revealed an efficient water contact angle behavior than the C bipolar plate, where the water contact angle for C and C:Pb bipolar plates are 82.4 degrees and 93.1 degrees, respectively. A sophisticated electrochemical stability performance has obtained to the C:Pb bipolar plate in acidic condition. According to Tafel plots analysis, higher corrosion resistance has observed to the C:Pb bipolar plate than the C bipolar plate. The fabricated new kind of C:Pb bipolar plate provides the many advantageous, thus it proves the insights for further developments and applicability in the practical application. In the perspective view, the performances of C:Pb bipolar plate can be further altered through modification of different carbon structures together with impregnation of Pb nanostructured materials into the pores and/or embedded throughout the surface, and efficient conductive polymers. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the development of a new type of bipolar plate using cost-effective materials of carbon and lead with polypropylene polymer for fuel cell systems. The C:Pb bipolar plate showed improved electrical properties and water contact angle behavior compared to traditional carbon bipolar plates. It also exhibited enhanced electrochemical stability and corrosion resistance, highlighting its potential for practical applications and further enhancements through modification of carbon structures and inclusion of nanostructured lead materials.