Comparative Study of Corrosion Resistance of Organic Coating and Dry Coating on 304 Stainless Steels Used for Bipolar Plates in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

The electrochemical corrosion behaviors of 304 stainless steels (STSs) with various coatings (organic coating and dry coating) were examined, and their applicability as bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) was validated. The results showed that the organic-coated samples had a significant decrease in anodic and cathodic current density compared to the uncoated sample. However, an increase in carbon black content in the organic coating or additional heat treatment at 700 degrees C resulted in a decrease in corrosion resistance. In addition, improvements in corrosion resistance achieved by adding TiO2 powder to the organic coating were found to be limited. In contrast, dry coating with TiC and CrC exhibited higher corrosion potential, significantly lower current density, and reduced contact resistance compared to the organic coatings. Notably, the TiC-coated sample showed a comparatively lower current density and more stable behavior than the CrC-coated sample. Based on a series of experimental results, a thin TiC coating without defects is proposed as a promising surface treatment strategy for STS bipolar plates in PEMFC.