Low contact resistance bonding method for bipolar plates in a PEM fuel cell
US7550174B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31678
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A separator assembly for use in a stack of electrochemical cells is provided, having a first conductive metallic substrate with a first surface and a second conductive metallic substrate with a second surface, wherein each of the first and second surfaces are overlaid with an ultra-thin electrically conductive metal coating. The first and second surfaces form electrically conductive paths at regions where the metal coating of the first and second layer contact one another. The contact of the surfaces overlaid with metal coating is sufficient to join the first and second substrates to one another. Preferred metal coatings comprise gold (Au). Methods of making such separator assemblies are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.