Method for production of bipolar plate for e.g. direct methanol-fuel cell, involves locally removing portion of corrosion protection layer to expose regions of metallic plate, and depositing noble metal on exposed regions of metallic plate

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This patent describes a method for manufacturing bipolar plates, which are used in fuel cells such as direct methanol fuel cells. The method involves applying a corrosion protection layer to a metallic plate, then selectively removing parts of this layer to expose certain regions, and finally depositing a noble metal (such as platinum or gold) onto the exposed areas for improved performance.

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

• Production of bipolar plates for use in direct methanol fuel cells
• Manufacturing of fuel cells for portable or stationary energy applications
• Automotive fuel cell stacks requiring enhanced corrosion resistance
• Electrochemical devices needing durable conductive plates

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved corrosion resistance of bipolar plates, leading to longer lifespan of fuel cells
• Selective deposition of noble metals reduces material costs compared to coating the entire plate
• Enhanced conductivity and catalytic performance in exposed regions where noble metal is deposited
• Potential for increased efficiency and reliability in fuel cell operation

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method involves providing a metallic plate (1) with a surface structure consisting of projections and recesses on a surface of the metallic plate. One side of the metallic plate is provided with a corrosion protection layer (4) before or after deformation, where the protection layer is applied by a deposition process such as chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or wet chemical process. A portion of the corrosion protection layer is locally removed by laser ablation to expose regions of the metallic plate, and a noble metal is deposited on the exposed regions. An independent claim is also included for a bipolar plate comprising an aperture.