Recycled carbon fiber bipolar plates can increase fuel cell capacity by 30%

Recycled carbon fiber bipolar plates can increase fuel cell capacity by 30%

Boston Materials and Paris-based advanced materials specialist Arkema recently unveiled a new bipolar plate made from 100 percent recycled carbon fiber that increases the capacity of fuel cells.

According to Boston Materials, the new product is made from 100% recycled carbon fiber to create a ZRT composite film, which in turn creates a lightweight bipolar plate that breaks through the cost and weight targets of the hydrogen fuel cell market in one fell swoop. Today, hydrogen technology is rapidly becoming one of the clean alternatives for the power industry, particularly in warehouse automation, drones, long-haul trucking and aviation applications, where lightweight bipolar plates can significantly increase fuel cell capacity and make hydrogen fuel cells more competitive than other alternatives.

With this new product, Boston Materials has unlocked significant performance and cost advantages for fuel cell manufacturers, enabling them to shift end users from relying on fossil fuels to utilizing more powerful and cleaner hydrogen power systems," said the people involved."

In hydrogen fuel cells and energy storage, the bipolar plate is a key component of the fuel cell stack. It allows the current generated within the fuel cell to pass through the entire stack, ensuring proper flow of hydrogen and water and maintaining the overall structure while withstanding internal high temperatures and corrosive conditions. The bipolar plate accounts for 80 percent of the total weight of the stack and is claimed to be more than 50 percent lighter than existing stainless steel plates when made with Boston Materials' ZRT composite film. This weight reduction has resulted in a 30% increase in fuel cell capacity.

"We are excited to be working with Boston Materials on this new energy storage application," noted the people involved. "Together, we have the potential to open up new market opportunities for polymer composites and significantly reduce overall carbon emissions in the industry."

Boston Materials' ZRT composite films are manufactured using the company's proprietary Z-axis fiber technology. made from 100 percent recycled carbon fiber, Z-axis fibers are energy-efficient products that enable a low carbon footprint.