Fabrication of Copper/Reinforced Carbon Nanotube Bipolar Plate Using Cold Spray Technique

Abstract

Abstract-This paper studies the possibility of using Cold Spray (CS) technique to fabricate Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNTs) re-enforced Copper (Cu) bipolar plate for possible application in Fuel cells. Copper (Cu) was chosen because of its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good tensile strength, and moderate corrosion resistance. On the other hand, MWCNTs were selected because of their extra-ordinary high mechanical strength, and electrical and thermal conductivity. In addition, as a carbon base product, MWCNTs are green compliant. Before deposition, the MWCNTs were dispersed in Copper (Cu) using a planetary ball mill. Then, the mixture was sprayed using LowPressure Cold Spray System (LP-CS) at a temperature 400⁰C and air pressure 140 psi (8.25 bar). The coatings were then characterized for microstructures using Scanning Electron Microscope and tested for electrical and thermal conductivity. The results of these experimental activities showed that the MWCNTs-Cu composite coatings deposited by LP-CS have enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity, and improve mechanical strength. This demonstrate that Cold Spray (CS) is a suitable technique for fabrication of MWCNTreinforced Cu bipolar plate for possible application in fuel cells.