Photothermally induced bromination of carbon/polymer bipolar plate materials for fuel cell applications

- Photothermal laser bromination of carbon/polymer materials is demonstrated.
- Using a microfocused laser functionalized domains with diameters of 5 μm and 100 μm and more can be fabricated.
- Bromine groups can be transformed in a variety of other chemical functionalities, i.e. amine groups.
- Depending on the chemical functionality, the local chemical affinity and wettability is changed.
- The routine can be applied to standard bipolar plate materials used for fuel cell applications.