Effects of Ag Current Collecting Layer Fabricated by Sputter for 3D-Printed Polymer Bipolar Plate of Ultra-Light Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

In this study, 3D-printed polymer bipolar plates were fabricated and applied to the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In order to overcome the poor electronic conductivity of polymer bipolar plates, silver current collecting layers were deposited using a sputter process. Influences of the thickness of the current collecting layer were carefully investigated to optimize the thickness. Using a sputter process, current collecting layers were successfully deposited without clear evidence of defects. Additionally, the increment in the total weight of bipolar plates was minimized. The average thickness of the silver current collecting layer was varied from 216 nm to 1.46 um. The results showed the fuel cell with 1.46 um thick Ag current collecting layer coated 3D printed bipolar plates achieved 0.96 V of the open circuit voltage and 308.35 mW/cm2 of performance at 25 °C.

A Critical Review on Hydrogen Based Fuel Cell Technology and Applications

“…[219] The use of 3D printing in FC manufacturing has shown promise in terms of customization and control over fine thickness, as demonstrated by Gye-Eun Jang and Gu-Young Cho, who incorporated the sputter process into 3D printing to reduce ohmic resistance of polymers. [220] The superiority of 3D printed material which was able to replace the conventional carbon paper when explored with the help of simulations as shown in Figure 15 was reported by Daniel Niblett et al [221] The performance of the MEA is critical to the efficiency and durability of the FC. Thus, advancements in the manufacturing of the MEA, including the use of newer materials and processes, are expected to enhance FC performance and lower costs.…”

“…reported a paper based on the micro‐scale production approach of FC manufacturing wherein capillary action was achieved using cellulose paper substrates [219] . The use of 3D printing in FC manufacturing has shown promise in terms of customization and control over fine thickness, as demonstrated by Gye‐Eun Jang and Gu‐Young Cho, who incorporated the sputter process into 3D printing to reduce ohmic resistance of polymers [220] . The superiority of 3D printed material which was able to replace the conventional carbon paper when explored with the help of simulations as shown in Figure 15 was reported by Daniel Niblett et al [221] .…”

Recent Progress of 3D Printing of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane-Based Fuel Cells for Clean Energy Generation

“…A commercial 3D printing system and conventional acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) filament were used to manufacture 3D printed polymer bipolar plates [58]. After the preparation of the polymer bipolar plates, Ag current-collecting layers were deposited on top of the bipolar plates using a commercial sputtering system.…”

Effects of Humidification with NaCl Solution Mist on Electrochemical Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

“…Fuel cells directly convert the chemical energy of fuel, such as hydrogen or methane, to electrical energy using electrochemical reactions [1,2]. Fuel cells have many strong points, such as high efficiency, no emissions (operated with hydrogen), silence, high power density, etc.…”

“…Fuel cells have many strong points, such as high efficiency, no emissions (operated with hydrogen), silence, high power density, etc. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Among the various types of fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells or proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are widely used as energy generation devices for mobile applications, such as vehicles, ships, and drones, because of their low operating temperature (<100 • C), rapid start up and shut down, and high power density [10][11][12][13][14].…”