Development of novel graphene-based composite bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

质子交换膜（PEM）燃料电池尚处于商业化的早期阶段，而双极板（BPPs）是影响燃料电池堆体积、重量和成本的关键部件之一。这些板负责均匀分布燃料和氧化剂，传递电流和热量，防止气体和冷却剂泄漏。金属和石墨双极板是bpp的常规材料。然而，每一种都有不同的优点和缺点。例如石墨bpp机械强度不足，流道加工难度大，而金属bpp加工容易，机械强度满足要求，但腐蚀是一个挑战。在这项研究计划中，新石墨世界（NMG）和魁北克大学（UQTR）团队将联合开发用于PEM燃料电池的新型石墨烯基双极板（BPP）。这项研究的成果将通过开发下一代BPP加速PEM燃料电池的商业化潜力。此外，它还将为NMG产品打开一个新的市场。该项目将帮助加拿大在氢研究方面保持领先地位，这与2020年12月发布的加拿大氢战略保持一致。

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is in the early stages of commercialization and bipolar plates (BPPs) are one of the key components which significantly contribute to the volume, weight and cost of fuel cell stack. These plates are responsible for uniformly distributing the fuel and oxidant, transfer electrical current and heat and prevent leakage of gases and coolants. Metallic and graphite bipolar plates are conventional materials for BPPs. However, each has different advantages and disadvantages. For example, graphite BPPs has a lack of mechanical strength, and it is very difficult to machine the flow channels, while metallic BPPs can be easily machined and meets the requirements on mechanical strength but corrosion is a challenge. In this research proposal, Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) and University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR) team will be joined to develop novel graphene based bipolar plates (BPP) for PEM fuel cells applications. The outcomes of this research will accelerate the commercialization potential of PEM fuel cells by developing the next generation of BPP. In addition, it will open a new market for NMG products. This project will help Canada to maintain a lead in Hydrogen research which is aligned with the Canadian Hydrogen Strategy published in December 2020.