Alumina-Carbon Nanofibers Nanocomposites Obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates

作者：Borrell A^*; Torrecillas R; Rocha V G; Fernandez A

来源：Fuel Cells, 2012, 12(4): 599-605.

DOI：10.1002/fuce.201100042

• Bipolar Plates
• Carbon Nanofibers
• Nanocomposites
• Spark Plasma Sintering

There is an increasing demand of multifunctional materials for a wide variety of technological developments. Bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells are an example of complex functionality components that must show among other properties high mechanical strength, electrical, and thermal conductivity. The present research explored the possibility of using aluminacarbon nanofibers (CNFs) nanocomposites for this purpose. In this study, it was studied for the first time the whole range of powder compositions in this system. Homogeneous powders mixtures were prepared and subsequently sintered by spark plasma sintering. The materials obtained were thoroughly characterized and compared in terms of properties required to be used as bipolar plates. The control on material microstructure and composition allows designing materials where mechanical or electrical performances are enhanced. A 50/50?vol.% aluminaCNFs composite appears to be a very promising material for this kind of application.

• 出版日期2012-8