Dual Ti and C ion-implanted stainless steel bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

► Ex-situ and in-situ tests are performed to study the effect of implantation on performance of SS bipolar plates. ► XPS and TEM results disclose different surface composition and microstructure after dual implantation. ► ICR of Ti0.5C0.5 is reduced by 6.5 times and the current density is decreased. ► The single cell test shows great improvement in peak power density and output voltage after dual implantation.