Layered System, Bipolar Plate, Fuel Cell and Method for Coating

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This patent describes an advanced coating system for metallic plates (specifically, bipolar plates used in fuel cells) that features a nanocomposite layer composed of copper and carbon. This layer sits on top of a wear-resistant protective layer and can be applied through a physical vapor deposition process. The resulting coated bipolar plates exhibit high corrosion resistance and excellent electrical conductivity, using cost-effective materials by avoiding rare precious metals.

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• Bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) for vehicles and stationary energy systems
• Metallic components in electrochemical cells requiring corrosion protection and electrical conductivity
• Cost-efficient alternatives to conventional platinum- or iridium-based coatings in fuel cells
• Other electrochemical applications where robust, conductive, and corrosion-resistant surfaces are needed

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced corrosion resistance under harsh fuel cell operating conditions
• High electrical and thermal conductivity for efficient energy transfer
• Cost reduction by avoiding rare and expensive precious metals
• Good wear protection due to the multi-layer system
• Potential for scalable, industrial application using physical vapor deposition
• Improved overall fuel cell durability and service life

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a layer system (1) comprising at least one wear protection layer (3) and a cover layer arranged on the wear protection layer (3), wherein the cover layer is formed as a nanocomposite layer (4) which has copper (6, 7) and carbon (5, 8). The invention also relates to a bipolar plate (10) with a metallic substrate (11) and with a layer system (1) of said type arranged at least partially on a surface of the substrate (11). A further subject of the invention is a method for coating a bipolar plate (10) of said type.