Majorization of GLC properties by the introduction of silver nanowires as conductive framework for metal bipolar plates

Highly conductive silver nanoparticles doped in graphite-like coating (GLC) can significantly optimize the conductivity of the film, while Ag and carbon could not form stable compounds, leading to rapidly escaping of Ag atoms to the surface of coatings. In this work, Ag doped GLC films deposited by magnetron sputtering technique at different temperatures (200-350 degrees C) are investigated. The results show that silver aggregates into nanowires along the carbon cluster interface in GLC at the deposition temperature of 350 degrees C and films show excellent hydrophobic property with the contact angle as high as 128.68 degrees, interfacial contact resistance as low as 3.76 m Omega.cm(2), and corrosion resistance improving remarkably, indicating that thermal stabilization under negative pressure can optimize film performance to make it as an excellent candidate for metal bipolar plates.