Bipolar plates for fuel cell stacks

摘要

This invention relates to bipolar plates for electrochemical cells, particularly low-temperature fuel cells, with surface modification to enhance through-plate conductivity, processes for improving the surface properties of those bipolar plates, and fuel cell assemblies made with such plates. Graphite-polymer composite bipolar plates with high bulk conductivity are subjected to an abrasive surface treatment to improve the surface contact as well as the reactant transfer to the adjacent gas diffusion electrodes.