Multistep active screen plasma co-alloying the treatment of metallic bipolar plates

Abstract

Active screen plasma (ASP) surface treatments have been widely utilized to improve surface performances of stainless steel in various applications. In our previous research, active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) and active screen plasma co-alloying processes have been successfully employed to modify 316L stainless steel for the application of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell bipolar plates. In this study, a multistep active screen plasma coalloying surface treatment with niobium and nitrogen was proposed to produce a tailored layer structure on the surface of 316L stainless steel. By tailoring the applied bias of step, single-layer and duplex-layer structures can be formed on the surface of 316L stainless steel. Performance tests showed that the sample with a duplex-layer structure exhibited improved interfacial contact conductivity and higher corrosion potential than the sample with a singlelayer structure, indicating the feasibility of this multistep active screen plasma co-alloying surface treatment for PEM fuel cell bipolar plate application.

Hollow cathodic plasma source nitriding of AISI 4140 steel

“…The main effects in the ion-surface interaction are heating and sputtering, which correspond to the kinetic energy and momentum transference from the impinging species to the surface. However, nitriding has inherent shortcomings, such as the edging effect and surface arcing [5,6]. It has been reported that desirable active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) can offer some benefits over the CPN treatment [7][8][9][10].…”

Investigation of physical and electrical properties of TiN-coated SS316L as bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

“…The fuel cells are well known as one of the clean-energy sources around the world. High efficiency and the lack of pollution are two critical factors, which can provide a great incentive to use these devices [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Bipolar Plate (BP) is a vital component in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for their weight and cost.…”

Rapid Construction of LTO/CuO Heterojunctions by Active Screen Plasma for Excellent Lithium-Ion Storage

“…The material to be treated is placed on the sample stage at a floating or zero potential. This structure allows the plasma to form on the surface of the metal screen rather than on the surface of the material. , In addition, plasma bombardment of the metal screen can etch out the atoms, molecules, and other materials carried by the metal screen and can impart a variety of behaviors such as doping, adsorption, and deposition. , Therefore, ASP technology becomes a potential tool for electrode material modification. However, we have not yet traced any application cases of ASP technology in anode materials for Li-ion batteries.…”

“…This structure allows the plasma to form on the surface of the metal screen rather than on the surface of the material. 26,27 In addition, plasma bombardment of the metal screen can etch out the atoms, molecules, and other materials carried by the metal screen and can impart a variety of behaviors such as doping, adsorption, and deposition. 28,29 Therefore, ASP technology becomes a potential tool for electrode material modification.…”