An Investigation of the Electrochemical Properties of TiAlCrN PVD Coated in STS316

Bipolar plate is a key component of PEMFC and other Fuel Cell system, and it has a big portion of the weight and total cost of a fuel cell stack. Nowadays, many investigators consider replacement bipolar plate materials from non-porous graphite to the metallic bipolar plate. In this study, try to TiAlCrN nitride coating process on an austenitic stainless steel (STS316) by PVD technology (plasma enhanced reactive evaporation) to increase the corrosion resistance of the STS316. STS316 has good corrosion resistance in the atmosphere. This study is the focus on this coated material could potentially be used in PEMFCs as a bipolar plate material provided. It is also satisfying the physical and mechanical property such as the interfacial contact resistance, light weight, high mechanical strength and manufacturing ability.