PNNL

Abstract

This paper outlines the development of a new low-cost materials concept for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Employing the roll bonding process to prepare a nickel clad steel laminate, the thin outer nickel layer is then passivated using a powder pack boridization technique. Results from energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that a relatively homogeneous Ni3B layer grows on the exposed surfaces of the nickel and that the thickness of this layer can be readily controlled through the time and temperature over which boridization takes place. At high boridization temperatures, = 700ºC, and long periods of time, a Ni2B overlayer forms on top of the Ni3B. Preliminary exposure testing conducted at 80ºC for 300hrs in 1M H2SO4 containing 2ppm HF demonstrates a significant increase in the corrosion resistance that is attributable to the boridization treatment.