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A review of polymeric bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Materials, fabrication, applications, cost analysis, and current status

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  • Saurabh Mishra
  • Vijay Verma
  • Vimal Kishore
  • Ravindra Kumar

Abstract

Bipolar plates play a crucial role in the performance and viability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Polymeric composites have demonstrated their potential as alternatives to graphite and metallic materials for bipolar plates due to their good corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, these polymeric materials often suffer from low electrical conductivity. The incorporation of various electrically conducting fillers can improve the electrical conductivity of these materials. This work presents a comprehensive review of the utilization of polymeric materials-based composites for bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Various aspects related to bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, including materials, fabrication techniques, applications, cost analysis, and the current status of proton exchange membrane fuel cells are discussed in this work. Both thermoplastic and thermoset-based composites are explored as matrix materials for bipolar plates, along with different conducting filler/reinforcement options, and their best results are also explored. The impact of traditional as well as emerging fabrication techniques on the performance of bipolar plates is evaluated, emphasizing the need to reduce the cost of bipolar plates for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Furthermore, the paper also examines the applications and current status of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in India as well as worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Saurabh Mishra & Vijay Verma & Vimal Kishore & Ravindra Kumar, 2024. "A review of polymeric bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Materials, fabrication, applications, cost analysis, and current status," Energy & Environment, , vol. 35(8), pages 4408-4444, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:35:y:2024:i:8:p:4408-4444
    DOI: 10.1177/0958305X241259990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adloo, Ali & Sadeghi, Morteza & Masoomi, Mahmood & Pazhooh, Hadi Najafi, 2016. "High performance polymeric bipolar plate based on polypropylene/graphite/graphene/nano-carbon black composites for PEM fuel cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 867-874.
    2. Wang, Yun & Chen, Ken S. & Mishler, Jeffrey & Cho, Sung Chan & Adroher, Xavier Cordobes, 2011. "A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Technology, applications, and needs on fundamental research," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(4), pages 981-1007, April.
    3. Liao, Weineng & Jiang, Fengjing & Zhang, Yue & Zhou, Xinjie & He, Zongqi, 2020. "Highly-conductive composite bipolar plate based on ternary carbon materials and its performance in redox flow batteries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 1310-1316.
    4. Lin, Chien-Hung & Tsai, Sung-Ying, 2012. "An investigation of coated aluminium bipolar plates for PEMFC," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 87-92.
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