The plates, which are based on Bac2’s unique conductive polymer, ElectroPhen, can be machined more simply than metal plates, making them ideal for fuel cell prototyping and development work before progressing to low-cost, moulded functional plates. Their conductivity easily exceeds US Department of Energy specifications for use in automotive applications. When in stock, samples are delivered within 48-hours, or they can be manufactured on a 28-day lead-time. Once the fuel cell design has been finalised, the plates can be ordered as ready-moulded parts that need no further processes or machining.

Bac2’s bipolar plates exhibit in-plane and through-plane conductivity of 350 S/cm and 20S/cm respectively. They are stable to 150 degrees C and have 30MPa flexural strength and 75 MPa compressive strength. Thermal conductivity is greater than 100 W/m K.

Bipolar plates account for 30% of the cost of a typical polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack. Making them from ElectroPhen ensures proven performance and, because its manufacturing process is both simple and easily scalable, it is significantly lower in cost than alternatives. Plates made from the material are thermally stable, resilient to temperature and inert towards fuel cell catalysts and membranes. 

ElectroPhen cures at room temperature and its basic raw materials are widely available from major chemical suppliers. It has a raw state conductivity one billion times higher than commonly used resin binders, so that no high temperature processing or surface machining, is needed to ensure good conductivity. Where required, Bac2 customises the material with plasticisers, reinforcers, and conductive fillers, to fine-tuned it for specific applications.

Bac2 Ltd www.bac2.co.uk

Bac2 is the developer of ElectroPhen™, an electrically conductive plastic that will make a significant contribution to the early adoption of clean energy from fuel cell stacks. Fuel cells are technically proven sources of clean energy for our planet, but adoption is presently limited by cost.Bac2 is in the process of developing ElectroPhen™ commercially and has patents pending in Europe, America and Japan. ElectroPhen™ is made from readily available low-cost constituents, can be pressed or moulded to complex shapes, and is robust enough for harsh environments. By comparison, competitors produce composite plates using electrically insulating resins to bind together conductive particles such as graphite. In addition to its role in fuel cells, Bac2 will find an increasingly wide range of applications for ElectroPhen in electrical and electronic industries.
Bac2, Millbrook Technology Campus, Second Avenue, Southampton, S015 0DJ james.lewis@bac2.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1865 331413