Method of making an electrically conductive element for use in a fuel cell

A method of making an electrically conductive element, comprising:

• providing a conductive metal substrate comprising stainless steel for use in a fuel cell having a surface susceptible to passivation in the presence of oxygen by forming oxides, wherein oxides are formed thereon;
• applying an acidic treatment solution to said surface to remove said oxides and reduce contact resistance of said surface to less than about 10 mOhm-cm2 under a compressive force of greater than or equal to about 200 psi (about 1400 kPa), wherein said acidic treatment solution comprises an anionic species selected from the group:
• fluorine (F−), chlorine (Cl−), bromine (Br−), iodine (I−), sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), and mixtures thereof, wherein said anionic species is present at about 1×10−1 to about 1×10−6 molarity;
• rinsing said surface to remove substantially all of said treatment solution;
• and
• coating said surface with a corrosion resistant electrically conductive coating.