Innovative Coating Technology to Boost Fuel Cell Efficiency and Longevity

• Boch has unveiled a cutting-edge coating technology in Suzhou, China, aimed at enhancing the durability and performance of fuel cell stacks.
• This breakthrough is expected to significantly drive the adoption of electric vehicles by improving the lifespan and efficiency of critical components like bipolar plates.

Boch, a leader in the sustainable energy sector, recently announced a major advancement in hydrogen technology with the development of a new coating process for fuel cell stacks. The technology focuses on protecting bipolar plates from corrosion, a critical factor in the lifespan and functionality of fuel cells. This enhancement is poised to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles globally.

The innovative process, developed by Boch's team in Suzhou, China, employs physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings. This method allows for a versatile application on various flat substrates crucial to fuel cell operation, such as plates used in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and electrolyzers. The array of materials that can be coated includes chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), carbon (C), diamond-like carbon (DLC), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), chromium nitride (CrN), and titanium nitride (TiN).

“Our team in Suzhou, China developed a unique design that offers full flexibility, allowing us to coat a wide variety of flat substrates, such as bipolar plates for PEMFC or electrolyzers. Various materials can be coated, including Cr, Ti, W, C, DLC, GLC, Au, Pt, CrN, TiN and more," explained a spokesperson from Boch.

The main advantages of this technology include its modular design, which simplifies the rapid scaling of production to meet market demands. Additionally, the technology is designed to be highly adaptable for retrofitting, enhancing its appeal in rapidly evolving markets. Another significant benefit is the process's low coating temperature, which remains below 200°C.

This feature is crucial as it prevents deformation of the substrates while ensuring the material retains its toughness and integrity.

This technological advancement from Boch is set to transform the landscape of hydrogen fuel technology by providing a more robust and efficient means of managing fuel cell components, thereby promoting greater uptake of clean energy vehicles.

Boch's Fuel Cell Coating Tech for Enhanced Efficiency (fuelcellsworks.com)