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Three-Dimensionally Printed Metal-Coated Flow-Field Plate for Lightweight Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Author

Listed:
  • Dasol Kim

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Geonhwi Kim

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Juho Na

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyeok Kim

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea)

  • Jaeyeon Kim

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea)

  • Guyoung Cho

    (Department Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyenggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Taehyun Park

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Soongsil University, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This study investigates the potential for affordable and lightweight polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using lightweight flow-field plates, also referred to as bipolar plates. A comparative analysis was conducted on the performance of metal-coated and uncoated three-dimensional (3D)-printed flow-field plates, as well as that of a conventional graphite flow-field plate. The fabrication of these lightweight flow-field plates involved the application of sputtering and 3D printing technologies. The polarization curves and corresponding electrochemical impedance spectra of PEMFCs with metal-coated 3D-printed, uncoated 3D-printed, and graphite flow-field plates were measured. The results demonstrate that the metal-coated 3D-printed flow-field plate exhibits a gravimetric power density of 5.21 mW/g, while the graphite flow-field plate registers a value of 2.78 mW/g, representing an 87.4% improvement in gravimetric power density for the metal-coated 3D-printed flow-field plate compared to the graphite flow-field plate. These findings suggest the feasibility of reducing the weight of PEMFCs using metal-coated 3D-printed flow-field plates.

Suggested Citation

  • Dasol Kim & Geonhwi Kim & Juho Na & Hyeok Kim & Jaeyeon Kim & Guyoung Cho & Taehyun Park, 2025. "Three-Dimensionally Printed Metal-Coated Flow-Field Plate for Lightweight Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:6:p:1533-:d:1616153
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rocha, C. & Knöri, T. & Ribeirinha, P. & Gazdzicki, P., 2024. "A review on flow field design for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Challenges to increase the active area for MW applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    2. Ashrafi, Moosa & Shams, Mehrzad, 2017. "The effects of flow-field orientation on water management in PEM fuel cells with serpentine channels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 1083-1096.
    3. Wang, Yun & Chen, Ken S. & Mishler, Jeffrey & Cho, Sung Chan & Adroher, Xavier Cordobes, 2011. "A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Technology, applications, and needs on fundamental research," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(4), pages 981-1007, April.
    4. Lin, Chien-Hung, 2013. "Surface roughness effect on the metallic bipolar plates of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 898-904.
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