Output details
13 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials
University of Sheffield : B - Materials Science and Engineering
Corrosion properties and contact resistance of TiN, TiAlN and CrN coatings in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell environments
This research addresses a key issue facing fuel cell incorporation in mass-market vehicles: that of in-service degradation, which limits life and performance. There are contradictory requirements of high electrical conductivity (avoiding surface passivation) and high corrosion resistance (requiring surface passivation). These conflicts were solved using an innovative Physical Vapour Deposition process making coatings more durable and exceeding DoE conductivity and corrosion targets. The work allows reductions in cost and packaging size. The work was undertaken in collaboration with the DoE Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, who are in a position to incorporate it in automotive fuel cell design.
