Corrosion Resistant Coating of Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Bipolar plates, the important component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), have drawn huge interest in emerging areas of energy storage devices. The bipolar plates made of graphite, metallic and composite exhibiting high electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, air-tightness and cost-effectiveness are the current interest of development and innovations. Numerous strategies have been developed till date to improvise the performances of the existing bipolar plates of PEMFCs. Bipolar plates made of stainless steels, or its modified stainless steels gained significant application as the most significant component materials in PEMFCs. This chapter outlines the recent research and development of bipolar plates in PEMFCs incorporating chemically functionalized coating of stainless steels. Furthermore, this chapter aims to pave paths for the researchers to explore various technological barriers, and challenges to innovate further improvised bipolar plates with the aim of increasing the energy efficiency and the corrosion resistant properties in PEMFCs.