{"id":12104,"date":"2025-07-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/interface-higher-power-density-and-longer-service-life-thanks-to-microstructured-bipolar-platesinterface\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T09:32:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T09:32:30","slug":"interface","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/interface\/","title":{"rendered":"Interface - Microstructured Bipolar Plates for Greater Power Density and Service Life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Interface – Microstructured Bipolar Plates for Greater Power Density and Service Life<\/h2>\n

The aim of the research project Interface –<\/strong> Optimisation of the BPP\/GDL interface and improvement of water management to increase the power density and service life of PEMFCs<\/strong> is to increase the power density of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) by up to 30% and significantly extend their service life through targeted laser-based microstructuring of bipolar plates (BPP) to increase the power density of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMBZ) by up to 30% and significantly extend their service life. To this end, the The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center (ZBT)<\/strong> and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) <\/strong>are developing new processes for surface modification on a micrometer scale. <\/p>\n

A particular focus is on optimising the interface between the BPP and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in order to improve the removal of liquid water<\/strong> from the reaction zones and reduce electrical contact resistance<\/strong>. This addresses two key obstacles to efficiency losses and premature ageing of PEMFCs. Using high-resolution X-ray microscopy, the water distribution in the cell structure is being made visible in operando for the first time and correlated with performance data. <\/p>\n

The research results will enable manufacturers of fuel cell components \u2013 especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) \u2013 to make targeted improvements in the development, production and quality assurance of BPPs and GDLs<\/strong>. Companies in the fields of laser technology, surface finishing and sensor technology can also benefit directly from the structures and test protocols developed. <\/p>\n

The project started on 1 July 2025 and will run for 30 months.<\/p>\n

Interface is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) as part of the Industrial Collective Research (IGF) programme via the AiF.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n \n \"XRM\n <\/a>\n XRM images: Dummy cell with water in channels (left), cross-section of the MEA and BPP of the dummy cell with water (center), and cross-section of the catalyst layer (right) <\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
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