Titanium and titanium compounds in the bipolar plate/gas diffusion layer system of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: manufacturing methods, surface treatments and properties.

Abstract

Titanium is one of the most abundant elements in the world. The two main properties of Ti are high corrosion resistance and strength-to-density, the highest of any metallic element. The high corrosion resistance of Ti is due to the formation of a thin oxide layer, acting as a shield against corrosion. Ti and Ti compounds are widely used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), playing various roles. In this review, the utilization of titanium and titanium compounds in the bipolar plate/gas diffusion layer system of PEMFCs is presented and discussed as well as the manufacturing methods and surface treatments, with particular attention to the corrosion resistance and the interfacial contact resistancetext goes here.