Review of Materials and Characterization Methods for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Flow-Field Plates

Abstract

The role of the flow-field plate is of major importance in determining the performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The flow-field plate constitutes the largest volumetric and gravimetric proportion of the fuel cell stack and has a strong bearing on the cost and efficiency of the system. This review considers the materials being used to make flow-field plates and the methods used to characterize materials properties and performance.