Graphite For Fuel Cells
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen-containing fuel with oxygen or another oxidizing agent. Fuel cells are used for primary and backup power for commercial, industrial and residential buildings and in remote or inaccessible areas. They are also used to power fuel cell vehicles, including forklifts, automobiles, buses, boats, motorcycles and submarines. Bipolar plates (BPs) are a key component of fuel cells with multifunctional character. They uniformly distribute fuel gas and air, conduct electrical current from cell to cell, remove heat from the active area, and prevent leakage of gases and coolant.
Graphite in fuel cell is used as a conductive material for the bipolar plates, which are an essential component of the fuel cell structure. Fuel cell graphite use to form bipolar plates must be pure and of high quality to improve electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as ensure long life operation.
Fig. 01
Fuel Cell
How can we help address your challenges?
Issue
Stainless steel is used as a bipolar plate material with sufficient mechanical strength, but insufficient electrical/thermal conductivity.
Solution
Superior Graphite has developed FormulaBT™ products with high electrical/thermal conductivity to meet large fuel cell requirements, e.g., for stationary applications.
Issue
Many bipolar plates made with low purity graphite experience short operating life due to corrosion issues.
Solution
We have utilized our unique Electro-Thermal Treatment/Purification Technology to produce high purity graphite products that improve the bipolar plate operating life.
Benefits of FormulaBT™ Fuel Cell Graphite Powders
When used as the active material, blended with polymer binders to form bipolar plates, they provide:
High electrical conductivity
(through-plane)
High thermal conductivity
(in-plane)
Long life operation
(low corrosion)
Good mechanical properties
Easy processing of compounds
