PEM Fuel cells
Coatings that protect metal surfaces from corrosion, secure conductivity, and support long service life of PEM fuel cell components.
Coatings for bipolar plates that support stable hydrogen fuel cell performance
PEM fuel cells are a key technology in clean power generation, and metallic bipolar plates form the heart of the system for stable operation. These plates guide gases, conduct electricity, and support the thermal balance of the stack. Metallic bipolar plates are highly efficient and reproducible in manufacturing, making them well suited for high-volume production and adoption. Yet the acidic in-cell environment increases the risk of corrosion, passivation, and metal ion leaching.
Without effective coatings for bipolar plates, conductivity drops, corrosion accelerates and the stack loses efficiency, stability and service life.
Protecting metallic plates in demanding hydrogen environments
Metallic bipolar plates face tough conditions inside a PEM fuel cell. The acidic media, high humidity and continuous load changes can trigger corrosion, surface passivation and rising contact resistance. These effects reduce conductivity and raise the risk of metal ions entering the membrane.
Production adds further pressure. Plates must meet strict tolerances, withstand forming steps and perform consistently at scale. Costs must remain controlled while durability targets grow. OEMs and Tier suppliers need coatings that offer predictable performance, stable conductivity and corrosion protection without redesigning their stack.
Ionbond’s coating expertise for hydrogen fuel cell components
Ionbond supports the development and production of metallic bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells with coatings that secure conductivity and prevent corrosion. Our portfolio covers proven PVD solutions for PEMFC components, supported by engineers who work closely with customers from sampling to volume production.
Global batch and inline capacity make scaling straightforward for heavy duty automotive, marine, aviation, and stationary hydrogen systems. Teams guide coating selection, process tuning and testing to fit each plate design. Ionbond has a long track record with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers who depend on consistent performance and predictable coating quality.
Why choose Ionbond coatings for fuel cells?
Ionbond’s coatings offer the following unique benefits for hydrogen fuel cells, ensuring optimal performance and long service life.
Enhanced durability
Our coatings resist corrosion, passivation, and wear, ensuring long-term reliability even in harsh conditions.
Superior conductivity
They maintain low contact resistance, optimizing power efficiency and extending fuel cell life.
Scalable solutions
Ionbond supports high-volume production and custom programs for automotive and stationary applications, supported by Hauzer PVD coating equipment for inline solutions.
Proven reliability
Trusted by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers for consistent quality and performance.
Cost efficiency
Our coatings deliver high performance while keeping manufacturing costs controlled.
Coatings that enable reliable PEM fuel cell performance
Metallic bipolar plates need stable surfaces to conduct current and resist corrosion in PEM fuel cells. Ionbond offers coating technologies that protect the plate, keep contact resistance low and limit metal leaching into the membrane. These coatings help the plate withstand acidic media, load changes and demanding operating cycles.
Carbon-based coatings each address the key challenges of corrosion risk and rising interfacial resistance. Their thin structure preserves the compact design of metallic plates and supports long service life in hydrogen fuel cell systems. This makes them well suited for automotive and stationary PEMFC applications that demand predictable performance at scale.
Coating solutions for fuel cells
Discover our solutions in more detail:
Carbon-based coatings
The carbon coating is needed to enable electrical conductivity and to protect the stainless-steel bipolar plates from leaching metals into the cell and poisoning the functionality of the membrane, leading to reduced performance of the stack over time.
PVD precious metal coatings
Ultra-thin, precious metal coatings provide stable conductivity and strong corrosion protection on stainless steel bipolar plates for high-end fuel cells and military applications. They limit oxide formation and metal dissolution, supporting long-term stack performance, durability, and controlled precious metal use.
Questions?
Discuss your challenges with Joris Ummels
Joris Ummels, Global Segment Manager Decarbonization, will be glad to support you.
We will get back to you as soon as possible
Joris Ummels
Global Segment Manager Decarbonization
Joris Ummels
Global Segment Manager Decarbonization