Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Research

The conductive coating on the bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is crucial for the efficient and stable operation of the cell, and its durability directly affects the cell's lifespan and performance. In this study, a systematic testing method was established to evaluate the coating from multiple dimensions, including electrochemical corrosion, contact resistance variation, coating peeling, and morphological evolution. Combined with accelerated aging experiments and material characterization, the failure mechanism of the coating was revealed. The results show that under high-humidity and cyclic load conditions, the coating is prone to increased contact resistance and local peeling; however, optimizing the coating composition and preparation process can significantly improve its stability. This study provides a reference for the durability verification and improvement of conductive coatings on bipolar plates, and is of great significance for the industrialization of fuel cells.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); Bipolar plate; Conductive coating; Durability testing