A new low-cost, nickel clad bipolar plate concept is currently being developed for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Reported in this paper are the details of a powder-pack boronization process that would be used to establish a passivation layer on the electrolyte exposed surfaces of the bipolar plate in the final stage of manufacture. Results from energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy indicate that under moderate boronization conditions a homogeneous Ni3B layer grows on the exposed surfaces of the nickel clad material, the thickness of which depends on the time and temperature of boronization according to a Wagner-type scale growth relationship. At higher temperatures and longer reaction times, a Ni2B overlayer forms on top of the Ni3B during boronization.
Revised: November 12, 2007 |
Published: December 20, 2006
Citation
Weil K.S., J.Y. Kim, G. Xia, J.E. Coleman, and Z. Yang. 2006.Boronization of nickel and nickel clad materials for potential use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.Surface & Coatings Technology 201, no. 7:4436-4441.PNNL-SA-49727.