Bipolar Plate for Electrochemical Cells and Method for Manufacturing the Same

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This patent describes a metallic bipolar plate for electrochemical cells, such as those used in fuel cells and electrolyzers, which is coated with a thin, electrically conductive, graphene-like layer composed of at least partially reduced graphene oxide. The coating process involves chemically producing graphene oxide from graphite, dispersing it in a suspension, applying it onto the metal plate, and then reducing it to enhance conductivity and corrosion resistance. The invention also details various methods for applying and reducing the graphene oxide coating in order to optimize its protective and electrical properties.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Bipolar plates in fuel cells (e.g., for vehicles, stationary power generation, portable electronics)
• Bipolar plates in electrolyzers for hydrogen production
• Corrosion-resistant coatings for metallic components in pipelines, ship hulls, and vehicle bodies
• Durable, conductive coatings for metallic components in chemical and electrochemical reactors
• Corrosion protection for steel structures and bridges
• Other electrochemical devices requiring stable, conductive, and corrosion-resistant interfaces

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant improvement in corrosion resistance of metal plates in harsh chemical and electrochemical environments
• High electrical conductivity, leading to lower internal resistance and improved device efficiency
• Enhanced mechanical stability and flexibility of the coated plate
• Lower material usage and reduced thickness compared to graphite-based alternatives, allowing for lighter and more compact device designs
• Cost-effectiveness due to the use of common metals coated by an inexpensive and scalable process, compared to using precious metals
• Improved durability and lifetime of electrochemical cell components under both low and high temperature conditions
• Versatility of the coating process, applicable to a variety of metallic substrates and industrial applications

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a metallic bipolar plate for use in an electrochemical cell, wherein the bipolar plate comprises an electrically conductive graphene-like coating. The graphene-like coating has a layer thickness of between 10 nm and 1 μm. To produce the graphene-like coating according to the invention comprising one or more at least partially reduced graphene oxide layers, firstly a chemical synthesis is carried out. Firstly, proceeding from graphite powder, a graphite oxide powder is produced, this then being transferred into a stable graphene oxide (GO) suspension via ultrasonic dispersion. By virtue of the deposition of this suspension on a metallic carrier substrate (bipolar plate), thin graphene oxide layers can then be applied and subsequently reduced to give at least partially reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which are referred to as graphene-like. This coating advantageously has a sufficient stability and the required electrical conductivity for use in an electrochemical cell.