Abstract

The single layers of TiN, TiAlN and TiN/TiAlN multilayer coatings were deposited on 316L SS bipolar plate by physical vapor deposition technique. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the formed coatings exhibited single-phase cubic structure. The low surface roughness and high contact angles of the TiAlN and TiN/TiAlN coatings governed the better water management in the fuel cell. Nyquist and Bode-impedance studies of TiN/TiAlN coating ensured higher electrochemical impedance behavior. The polarization results revealed that the current densities (icorr) of TiN/TiAlN coating were below 1 µA/cm2 in the PEMFC environments, which satisfied the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2020 target. The contact resistance of the TiN/TiAlN-coated 316L SS was the lowest and fulfilled the requirements of bipolar plate (≤ 10 mΩ cm2) in PEMFC environment. Surface morphology results revealed that the surface of 316L SS is well protected by multilayer TiN/TiAlN coating. Inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy results are in good agreement with electrochemical studies revealing the TiN/TiAlN coating significantly reduced the metal ions dissolution.

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