A Novel Conductive Coating on 316L Stainless Steel Bipolar Plate by Melt Deposition

ABSTRACT To address the challenge of achieving both high corrosion resistance and excellent electrical conductivity in current proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) bipolar plates, this study successfully develops and applies a conductive glass/silver (GP/Ag) coating on 316L stainless steel using an integrated approach that combines melt quenching, screen printing, and melt deposition techniques. The surface microstructure, chemical composition, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity of coatings with varying glass powder‐to‐silver ratios are systematically investigated. The underlying corrosion resistance mechanism is also elucidated. Results show that the GP/Ag‐2 sample exhibits superior corrosion resistance and conductivity: its corrosion current density is 0.39 μA·cm −2 , merely 10% that of bare 316L stainless steel. Moreover, the interfacial contact resistance of the GP/Ag‐2 sample at 1.5 MPa is 4.36 mΩ·cm 2 , representing a 96% reduction compared to uncoated 316L stainless steel. These studies offer novel and viable solutions for the surface modification of metal bipolar plates.