Materials and Structures: Driving Hydrogen Fuel Cell Efficiency and Sustainability
Key Ideas
  • Bipolar plates are crucial components in fuel cells responsible for distributing hydrogen and oxygen, collecting electric current, and optimizing cell performance.
  • Different form factors like parallel, serpentine, and interdigitated flow fields impact gas distribution and overall efficiency in fuel cells.
  • The choice between graphite and metal for bipolar plate materials involves trade-offs in corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and cost.
  • IDTechEx's report delves into various materials and coatings used in fuel cells, highlighting the importance of selecting the right components for sustainable energy solutions.
Fuel cells are gaining prominence globally as part of sustainability and decarbonization efforts toward achieving net zero targets. A recent report by IDTechEx focuses on the critical role of bipolar plates within fuel cells. These plates are essential for distributing hydrogen and oxygen, collecting electric current, and ensuring optimal performance. Different form factors like parallel, serpentine, and interdigitated flow fields influence gas distribution within cells, impacting efficiency. The choice of materials for bipolar plates, such as graphite and metal, involves considerations of corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength. While graphite offers good corrosion resistance and lower manufacturing costs, metal provides higher electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The report also explores other materials and coatings used in fuel cells. By understanding the complexities of these components, stakeholders can make informed decisions to drive efficiency and sustainability in hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
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