Corrosion and Its Mitigation Approaches of Metallic Bipolar Plates

In recent years, considerable attention has been directed toward proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) owing to their notable energy efficiency and environmentally friendly byproducts. Bipolar plates (BPPs), as pivotal components of PEMFCs, assume critical functions in gas isolation, flow field distribution, electron collection, and heat conduction. Metal BPPs exhibit commendable manufacturing attributes, cost-effectiveness, and mechanical strength, rendering them a compelling alternative to conventional graphite BPPs. The surface modification of metal BPPs becomes imperative for their effective integration into PEMFCs. This chapter provides a comprehensive account on corrosion and its mitigation approaches of metallic BPPs in PEMFCs. Metallic coatings such as metal nitrides and carbides focusing on corrosion resistance, conductivity, and contact angle considerations specific to metal BPPs within PEMFC environments are analyzed. The analysis delves into the strengths and limitations of various surface modification methods, while also contemplating future trends in commercialization.