Metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery bipolar plates, and discloses a metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance, which comprises a metal bipolar plate body, two long side edges of the metal bipolar plate body are respectively adhered with a cladding plate II, and two short side edges of the metal bipolar plate body are respectively adhered with a cladding plate I. According to the metal bipolar plate with the high corrosion resistance, the side edges of the metal bipolar plate body can be effectively protected, abrasion and breakage are prevented, meanwhile, the metal bipolar plate body can be sealed to a certain degree, side edge protection structures are all made of carbon fiber materials, normal work of the metal bipolar plate body is not affected, and the service life of the metal bipolar plate body is prolonged. Meanwhile, the side edge protection made of the carbon fiber material is high in structural strength, excellent in chemical property and long in service life, the connection strength of the carbon-based coating and the surface of the metal bipolar plate body can be enhanced through combination of the conductive coating and the carbon-based coating, the situation that the carbon-based coating falls off is avoided, and meanwhile the corrosion resistance of the metal bipolar plate body can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery bipolar plate technology, specifically a metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance. Background Technology

[0002] Metal bipolar plates are typically formed by stamping two metal plates. When assembling a hydrogen fuel cell, multiple metal bipolar plates need to be stacked. At the same time, sealing adhesive channels need to be set between the metal bipolar plates so that air chambers and hydrogen chambers can be formed between the metal bipolar plates.

[0003] After being stamped, the existing bipolar plates have flat sides. Under normal conditions, if external forces interfere, the sides may wear or break, affecting the connection strength between the bipolar plates and causing the cavity between them to fail to seal. In addition, if the surface of the bipolar plates is not coated with a good protective coating, long-term use will lead to corrosion and shorten the service life of the bipolar plates.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance, which effectively protects its sides and has a carbon-based coating on its surface to achieve excellent corrosion resistance, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] This utility model provides the following technical solution: a metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance, comprising a metal bipolar plate body:

[0007] The two long sides of the metal bipolar plate body are each fitted with a second cladding plate, and the two short sides of the metal bipolar plate body are each fitted with a first cladding plate. Both ends of the second cladding plate are fixedly connected with insertion blocks, and both ends of the first cladding plate are provided with insertion slots. The outside of the insertion block is inserted into the inside of the insertion slot.

[0008] The surface of the metal bipolar plate body is provided with a conductive coating, and the surface of the conductive coating is provided with a carbon-based coating.

[0009] Preferably, a connecting groove is provided at the overlap of the insertion block and the insertion slot, and a fixing pin is riveted inside the connecting groove.

[0010] Preferably, the conductive coating is deposited on the surface of the metal bipolar plate body, and the carbon-based coating is deposited on the surface of the conductive coating.

[0011] Preferably, the conductive coating is a conductive metal oxide.

[0012] Preferably, the two sets of the first-stage covering plates have the same structural features, and the two sets of the second-stage covering plates have the same structural features. The first-stage covering plate, the second-stage covering plate, the fixing pin, and the insertion block are all made of carbon fiber material.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] This type of highly corrosion-resistant metal bipolar plate, when covering the side of the metal bipolar plate body, involves a second set of covering plates covering the long side of the metal bipolar plate body. At this time, the insertion slot at one end of the first set of covering plates is inserted into the insertion block connected to the end of the second set of covering plates. Simultaneously, another set of first covering plates is installed in the same manner, covering the other long side of the metal bipolar plate body. The insertion slots at the other ends of both sets of first covering plates are inserted into the insertion blocks connected to the two ends of the second set of second covering plates. The connecting slots at both ends of the first covering plates and the connecting slots on the insertion blocks are connected. By riveting in fixing pins, the covering frame formed by the two sets of second and first covering plates is fixed, thus protecting the side of the metal bipolar plate body. For protection, a conductive coating and a carbon-based coating are sequentially applied to the surface of the metal bipolar plate, providing protection to the surface of the metal bipolar plate. This structure effectively protects the sides of the metal bipolar plate, preventing wear and breakage, and also provides a certain degree of sealing. The side protection structures are all made of carbon fiber material, which does not affect the normal operation of the metal bipolar plate. The side protection made of carbon fiber material has high structural strength, excellent chemical properties, and a long service life. The combination of the conductive coating and the carbon-based coating can strengthen the connection between the carbon-based coating and the surface of the metal bipolar plate, preventing the carbon-based coating from peeling off, and also improving the corrosion resistance of the metal bipolar plate. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first and second covering plates of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the surface coating structure of the metal bipolar plate of this utility model.

[0019] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0020] 1. Metal bipolar plate body;

[0021] 2. Covering plate one; 210. Insertion slot;

[0022] 3. Covering plate two; 310. Insertion block;

[0023] 4. Connecting groove; 410. Fixing pin;

[0024] 5. Conductive coating;

[0025] 6. Carbon-based coating. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] A fuel cell is a chemical device that directly converts the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy; also known as an electrochemical generator. It is the fourth type of power generation technology after hydropower, thermal power, and nuclear power. Because fuel cells convert the Gibbs free energy portion of the fuel's chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction, they are not limited by the Carnot cycle effect, resulting in high efficiency. Furthermore, fuel cells use fuel and oxygen as raw materials and have no mechanical transmission components, thus emitting very few harmful gases and having a long service life. Therefore, from the perspective of energy conservation and environmental protection, fuel cells are the most promising power generation technology.

[0029] The basic structure of existing fuel cells mainly includes an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and an external circuit. The anode is a hydrogen electrode, the cathode is an oxygen electrode, and the electrolyte is usually a proton exchange membrane, which is used to conduct ions and isolate gases. The working principle of a fuel cell is to send fuel (such as hydrogen) and oxygen into the cell and generate electrical energy through electrochemical reaction. Its core components include a proton exchange membrane, an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a gas diffusion layer, and bipolar plates.

[0030] As an important component of fuel cells, bipolar plates can perform functions such as current conduction, separation of fuel and oxidant, catalytic reaction, thermal management, structural support, transport of reactant gases, removal of water byproducts, and bearing clamping forces. Bipolar plates are mainly divided into graphite bipolar plates, metal bipolar plates, and composite material bipolar plates.

[0031] Metal bipolar plates are bipolar plates made of metallic materials, typically titanium, platinum, molybdenum, nickel, etc. Metal bipolar plates have excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, can withstand high current density and voltage, and also have good mechanical strength and stability. In the electrochemical reaction process, metal bipolar plates can act as electrolyte carriers and can also distribute the current evenly throughout the electrolytic cell.

[0032] Although many metal bipolar plates are currently available on the market, they still face some problems and challenges in practical applications. Existing bipolar plates, after stamping, have flattened sides. Under normal conditions, external forces can cause wear or breakage on these sides, affecting the connection strength between the bipolar plates and preventing the cavities formed between them from sealing properly. Furthermore, if the surface of the bipolar plates is not coated with a superior protective coating, prolonged use can lead to corrosion, shortening the lifespan of the bipolar plates.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A highly corrosion-resistant metal bipolar plate, comprising a metal bipolar plate body 1:

[0034] The two long sides of the metal bipolar plate body 1 are each attached with a second covering plate 3, and the two short sides of the metal bipolar plate body 1 are each attached with a first covering plate 2. Both ends of the second covering plate 3 are fixedly connected with an insertion block 310. Both ends of the first covering plate 2 are provided with an insertion groove 210. The outside of the insertion block 310 is inserted into the inside of the insertion groove 210. A connecting groove 4 is provided at the overlap of the insertion block 310 and the insertion groove 210. A fixing pin 410 is riveted inside the connecting groove 4.

[0035] The surface of the metal bipolar plate body 1 is provided with a conductive coating 5, and the surface of the conductive coating 5 is provided with a carbon-based coating 6. The conductive coating 5 is a conductive metal oxide, and the metal composition of the conductive coating 5 includes one or more of tin or aluminum.

[0036] When providing side protection for the metal bipolar plate body 1, a set of two covering plates 3 covers the long side of the metal bipolar plate body 1. At this time, the insertion slot 210 at the end of one set of covering plates 2 is inserted into the insertion block 310 connected to the end of the covering plate 3. The other set of covering plates 2 is installed simultaneously in the same manner. The other set of covering plates 3 covers the other long side of the metal bipolar plate body 1. The insertion slots 210 at the other end of the two sets of covering plates 2 are inserted into the insertion blocks 310 connected to both ends of the other set of covering plates 3. At this time, the connecting slots 4 at both ends of the covering plates 2 and the connecting slots 4 on the insertion block 310 are connected. By riveting in the fixing pins 410, the covering frame formed by the two sets of covering plates 2 3 and the two sets of covering plates 2 is fixed, thus protecting the side of the metal bipolar plate body 1.

[0037] By depositing a conductive coating 5 between the carbon-based coating 6 and the metal bipolar plate body 1, the bonding force between the coating and the metal bipolar plate body 1 is improved, making the coating less prone to peeling off; and the conductive coating 5 is a conductive metal oxide layer with good corrosion resistance and density, which can effectively block the penetration of hydrogen ions, further improving the corrosion resistance of the metal bipolar plate body 1.

[0038] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the conductive coating 5 is deposited on the surface of the metal bipolar plate body 1, and the carbon-based coating 6 is deposited on the surface of the conductive coating 5.

[0039] The carbon-based coating 6 possesses the following defects: nodule defects, pinhole defects, and through-hole defects. These defects typically form during the deposition process. For example, nodule and pinhole defects are caused by particle detachment during deposition, while through-hole defects are formed when particles detach and directly expose the substrate. These defects significantly affect the corrosion resistance of the coating. Therefore, the conductive coating 5 and the carbon-based coating 6 are typically deposited on the surface of the metal bipolar plate body 1 using either physical vapor deposition or high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering technology to effectively reduce through-hole defects, lower porosity, and improve the corrosion resistance of the coating. Simultaneously, the presence of the conductive coating 5 enhances the adhesion between the carbon-based coating 6 and the metal bipolar plate body 1, and the bonding between the conductive coating 5 and the carbon-based coating 6 further improves the corrosion resistance of the metal bipolar plate body 1.

[0040] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the two sets of covering plates 1 and 2 have the same structural features, and the two sets of covering plates 2 and 3 have the same structural features. The covering plates 1 and 2, the covering plates 2 and 3, the fixing pins 410 and the insertion blocks 310 are all made of carbon fiber material. Due to the excellent performance of carbon fiber material, it can be used in the side protection structure to protect the metal bipolar plate body 1 without affecting its operation.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial", "bottom", "one end", "top", "middle", "other end", "upper", "side", "top", "inner", "front", "center", "both ends", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0042] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "setting", "connection", "fixing", "screw connection", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance, comprising a metal bipolar plate body (1), characterized in that: both long sides of the metal bipolar plate body (1) are attached with cladding plates II (3), both short sides of the metal bipolar plate body (1) are attached with cladding plates I (2), both ends of the cladding plates II (3) are fixedly connected with insertion blocks (310), both ends of the cladding plates I (2) are provided with insertion grooves (210), and the outside of the insertion blocks (310) is inserted into the inside of the insertion grooves (210); the surface of the metal bipolar plate body (1) is provided with a conductive coating (5), and the surface of the conductive coating (5) is provided with a carbon-based coating (6). A connecting groove (4) is arranged at the overlapping position of the insertion blocks (310) and the insertion grooves (210), and a fixed pin (410) is riveted in the connecting groove (4).

2. The metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive coating (5) is deposited on the surface of the metal bipolar plate body (1), and the carbon-based coating (6) is deposited on the surface of the conductive coating (5).

3. The metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive coating (5) is a conductive metal oxide.

4. The metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structure of the two groups of cladding plates I (2) is consistent, the structure of the two groups of cladding plates II (3) is consistent, and the cladding plates I (2), the cladding plates II (3), the fixed pins (410) and the insertion blocks (310) are all made of carbon fiber material.

5. The metal bipolar plate with high corrosion resistance according to claim 1, characterized in that: ​

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