Polymer nanocomposite bipolar plates reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphite nanosheets

The demand for lightweight, good performance and high efficiency for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is ever increasing in both industrial and transportation sectors. High performance PEMFCs require the use of advanced bipolar plates with high electrical conductivity and good mechanical strength. This can be achieved by using high performance polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes, expanded graphite and graphite nanoplatelets having high electrical conductivity and large aspect ratio. This article provides a state-of-the-art review for the current development, manufacturing and structure-property relationship of polymer nanocomposites designed for bipolar plate applications.