Development of a niobium clad PEM fuel cell bipolar plate material
Reported in this paper are results obtained on a niobium clad material that is being developed for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks. A series of materials evaluation tests were initially conducted on niobium coupons to determine if this material was suitable as an external cladding layer exposed to a prototypic PEMFC environment. Results from corrosion testing conducted in 80ºC, 1M H2SO4 (with 2ppm HF) indicated no measurable weight loss in the niobium specimens out to 1100hrs of exposure. Interfacial contact resistance measurements demonstrated that niobium in both the as-received and post exposure conditions exhibits excellent surface conductivity under a minimal hold down force, while results from polarization testing conducted under both prototypic anodic and cathodic PEMFC operating conditions suggested that the behavior of niobium is similar to that observed in noble metals such as platinum. Subsequent contact resistance and polarization testing of niobium clad stainless steel coupons exhibited results similar to those found in monolithic niobium testing.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 922182
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-49726; HI0300000
- Journal Information:
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 32(16):3724-3733, Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 32(16):3724-3733
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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