Method of treating composite plates
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsRichard Blunk, Tao Xie, Mahmoud Abd Elhamid, Youssef Mikhail, Gayatri Vyas, Daniel Lisi
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Abstract
Methods and systems for enhancing water management capabilities of a fuel cell system are described. The surface of a composite bipolar plate is chemically treated, for example with an oxidizer, to create a hydrophilic surface. The chemical treatment can include immersing the composite plate in an acid bath to acid etch the surface of the composite plate. Additionally, anodic roughening can also be utilized prior to placing the composite plate in the acid bath.
Claims30
A method for forming a hydrophilic surface on a fuel cell element, comprising:
- providing a fuel cell element having a surface formed thereon;
- and
- chemically treating the surface of the fuel cell element to create a hydrophilic surface thereon.
A method for forming a hydrophilic surface on a fuel cell element, comprising:
- providing a fuel cell element having a surface formed thereon;
- roughening the surface of the fuel cell element;
- and
- chemically treating the surface of the fuel cell element to create a hydrophilic surface thereon.
A fuel cell system, comprising:
- a fuel cell element having a surface formed thereon;
- wherein the surface of the fuel cell element has been chemically treated to create a hydrophilic surface thereon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.