Polymet plates with enhanced electrically conductive pathway and lower corrosion for fuel cell

A PolyMET plate based on a polymeric and conductive material, for a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell, the PolyMET plate comprising:

• a body made of a polymeric material and comprising:
• a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface;
• a plurality of in-plane conductive pathways on the first surface defining an electrochemical reaction area on the first surface, wherein the plurality of in-plane conductive pathways is formed on at least one rib on the first surface as a coating of conductive material;
• and
• a through-plane conductive pathway formed of a solid conductive material extending through the body between the first surface and second surface, wherein the through-plane conductive pathway defines a periphery of the electrochemical reaction area and is electrically coupled to the in-plane conductive pathways, wherein the second surface includes a heat removal jacket, and wherein the heat removal jacket is formed of an electrically insulating thermoplastic material.