PVD and PECVD carbon based and nitride coatings for metallic bipolar plates

Bipolar plates are key components of proton exchange membrane fuel cells because of their multiple functions in managing gas distribution, current conduction, and heat. To date, bipolar plates are made by carbon-based materials, metals and composites, each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. In this work, different carbon based and nitride coatings have been developed to coat polished and rough AISI 304 substrates by using different chemical and physical deposition techniques. The produced samples were analysed through physical and chemical characterizations to evaluate the best coating performances.