Bipolar plate is the main component of fuel cell. At present, graphite bipolar plates are used. Although graphite has good electrical properties, it also has obvious disadvantages: thicker material, high production cost and sensitivity to vibration.

In addition to some other optical reasons, these technical problems still hinder the breakthrough of eco-friendly fuel cell technology as one of the energy sources in automobile and other industries. However, in this particular industry, low temperature fuel cells still have great potential in the future automotive applications.

Stainless steel bipolar plate can be used as an alternative. This material is insensitive to vibration, has absolute air tightness, reasonable production cost and is much thinner than graphite bipolar plate. However, it is very challenging to achieve the physical and chemical properties comparable to those of graphite bipolar plates. The obvious solution is gold plating, but that will destroy its cost advantage.

Our plan is: amorphous carbon!

HCVAC has successfully deposited carbon films on stainless steel bipolar plates by physical vapor deposition (PVD). In terms of interface contact resistance (ICR), adhesion and corrosion resistance, the properties of carbon coating and gold coating are similar.

Let's make full use of the potential of fuel cells! We will support you from the research and development stage to the establishment of industrial coating solutions. You can rely on our dedicated staff and our decades of expertise in PVD technology and engineering coating equipment.