Synthesis of ordered mesoporous boron-containing carbon films and their corrosion behavior in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cells environment

The ordered mesoporous boron-containing carbon films are deposited on 304 stainless steel (304 SS) as bipolar plate material for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFMCs) by spin-coating method. As shown by XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption and TEM, the composite films exhibit ordered mesoporous structures. The SEM and Raman results show that the carbon film is dense, continuous, and amorphous. The corrosion resistance, hydrophobicity and electrical conductivity, of the carbon-coated steel are investigated and compared to carbon-coated 304 SS. The ordered mesoporous boron-containing carbon film has high chemical inertness, thereby significantly enhancing the corrosion resistance of the coated 304 SS. Furthermore, the ordered mesoporous boron-containing carbon film is more hydrophobic and conductive than mesoporous carbon film. Therefore, the ordered mesoporous boron-containing carbon film-coated 304 stainless steel is a promising candidate for bipolar plate materials in PEMFCs.

The ordered mesoporous boron-containing carbon films were deposited on the 304 stainless steel (304 SS) as bipolar plate material for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFMCs) by spin-coating method. We believe that the ordered mesoporous CB films have a potential application as a protect coating of bipolar plate material.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The mesoporous film was obtained by spin-coating and electropolymerization method.
► The presence of B can improve the graphitization degree of ordered mesoporous carbon film.
► CB film exhibited a high surface tension with water contact angle close to 80°.
► The ordered mesoporous film exhibited excellent protective performance in 0.5 M H2SO4.