Fuel cell separator plate surface treatment by laser ablation
US8835079B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49115
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A composite separator plate for use in an electrochemical fuel cell as well as a method of forming same is disclosed. The plate may be formed of polymeric material and electrically conductive material having a non-conductive polymeric outer layer by compression molding, or alternately of a metallic material having an outer metal oxide layer. Contact regions of the plate surface are subsequently ablated with a laser to remove the outer layer of material from the plate. The removal of the outer layer reduces the contact resistance of the plate when used in an electrochemical fuel cell stack, while offering adequate strength and corrosion resistance for the fuel cell stack environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.