Investigation on Electrochemical Characteristics of Metallic Bipolar Plates with Chloride Concentrations for PEMFC

Currently, the demand for eco-friendly energy sources is high, which has prompted research on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Both aluminum alloys and nickel alloys, which are commonly considered as materials of bipolar plates in fuel cells, oxide layers formed on the metal surface have excellent corrosion resistance. In this research, the electrochemical characteristics of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and Inconel 600 were investigated with chloride concentrations in an acid environment that simulated the cathode condition of the PEMFC. After potentiodynamic polarization experiments, Tafel analysis and surface analysis were performed. Inconel 600 presented remarkably good corrosion resistance under all test conditions. The corrosion current density of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy was significantly higher than that of Inconel 600 under all test conditions. Also, 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and Inconel 600 presented uniform corrosion and intergranular corrosion, respectively. The Ni, Cr, and Fe, which are the main chemical compositions of Inconel 600, are higher than Al in the electromotive force series. And a double oxide film of NiO-Cr2O3, which is more stable than Al2O , is formed. Thus, the corrosion resistance of Inconel 600 is better.