The promise of more rugged and economical fuel cell stacks

Figure 1: A simplified representation of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell stack

Makers of fuel cell stacks say that the search is still on for the perfect bipolar plate. Perfection is seldom achieved, but the ideal solution may not be far off, thanks to the development of a range of conductive polymers by a British start-up called Bac2.

The development of ElectroPhen, Bac2's trade-marked material, began when it was seen as a low cost electrode material for potential use in advanced electrochemical water treatments. Since then a program has begun to optimize the material for fuel cell applications and the company is also planning its use in a range of other applications from electrostatic protective coatings to organic semiconductors and EMI shielding. ElectroPhen's heritage goes back to the birth of plastics. It has a polymeric structure that is basically phenolic, like that of Bakelite. Bakelite was developed during the first decade of the 20th century and used for its insulating properties in electrical fittings and appliances. By contrast, though the selective use of curing agents, ElectroPhen has conductive properties, which dramatically expands its potential uses.