BIPOLAR PLATE FOR FUEL CELLS, AND PRODUCTION METHOD

The bipolar plate of the invention for electrochemical cells, especially for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, is made with a metallic substrate and on the surface is made with an electrical contact resistance-reducing, carbon-based layer, a layer system or a boundary layer which is made of a near-surface, primarily sp2-bonded, carbon-based layer having a carbon fraction ranging from 50% to 100%, this layer being applied on a metallic substrate surface that is modified relative to the starting material. There may also be a surface region of the substrate in the form of an edge layer made with nitride and/or carbon by nitriding and/or carburizing. On the surface which is in touching contact with a gas-permeable element within the electrochemical cell, the metallic substrate may have a structuring made with elevations and/or depressions in the respective surface.