Development of a Current Collector with a Graphene Thin Film for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Module

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require robust current collectors to prevent corrosion and maintain efficiency.
• Existing current collectors face degradation issues due to electrochemical reactions within the fuel cell environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate planar-type graphene thin film current collectors for PEMFCs.
• To investigate the effectiveness of graphene coatings in preventing corrosion and reducing surface resistance.
• To assess the performance of PEMFCs utilizing the novel graphene-enhanced current collectors.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of planar current collectors using FR-4 substrate and copper thin film.
• Application of graphene thin films via spin coating, RF magnetron sputtering, and screen printing.
• Corrosion rate and surface resistance testing of coated current collectors.
• Assembly and performance testing of single-cell and two-cell PEMFC modules.

Main Results:

• Graphene thin films significantly reduced corrosion rates compared to uncoated collectors.
• Different coating techniques exhibited varying degrees of corrosion resistance and surface conductivity.
• PEMFCs with graphene-enhanced current collectors demonstrated promising cell performance and operational feasibility.

Conclusions:

• Planar graphene thin film current collectors offer a viable solution for improving PEMFC durability.
• Graphene coatings effectively mitigate electrochemical corrosion, extending the lifespan of current collectors.
• The developed technology shows potential for enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of PEMFC systems.