Korrosionsbeständige elektrische Kontaktelemente für Brennstoffzellen mit Polymerelektrolyt-Membran

摘要

A proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has at least one cell comprising two electrodes, a membrane electrolyte for ionic conduction and a conductive contact. The contact element comprises a metal core (50) of Al or Ti, on which is a protective coating (52) and a micro-discontinuous Ti nitride topcoat (54) which has many defects, exposing the protective coating to a corrosive operating environment within the fuel cell. The protective coating is susceptible to oxidative passivation by this environment to form a corrosion barrier and thus protects the core.