CNTs nanostructuring effect on the properties of graphite composite bipolar plate

Intent of present investigation is to improve the properties of graphite–polymer composite bipolar plate by nanostructuring. This involves the incorporation of different vol.% of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in graphite–polymer composite bipolar plate. It has been found that by inclusion of 1 vol.% of MWNTs in graphite composite plate, the electrical and thermal conductivity of nanocomposite increased by 100%. The thermal conductivity of nanocomposite plate increases from 1 W/m K to 13 W/m K in through-plane and in-plane from 25 W/m K to 50 W/m K at 1 vol.% of MWNTs. This significant enhancement is due to the orientation of MWNTs in all the directions of composite, positive synergistic effect of MWNTs and heat transfer along the axis directions. However, bending strength of nanocomposite increases by 25% and maximum augmentation is in case of 1 vol.% of MWNTs. The improvement in conductivity of nanocomposite plate is due to an increase in the electron transfer ability within the composite plate which influences the I–V performance of ultimate fuel cell. These observations confirm that the optimal content of MWNTs is 1 vol.%, in graphite–polymer composite.