TiTime PEMFC Bipolar Plates
TiTime PEMFC Bipolar Plates: Precision Engineering for Fuel Cell Excellence
TiTime is the global benchmark for high-performance bipolar plates in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), delivering proprietary titanium-based solutions that optimize electrical efficiency, gas management, and long-term durability. Our plates, featuring advanced TiN/noble metal coatings and micron-precision flow fields, power over 500 MW of deployed PEMFC capacity worldwide as of November 19, 2025, including automotive stacks from Hyundai, Ballard Power Systems, and Cummins, as well as stationary systems for Bosch and Plug Power. With annual production exceeding 1 GW-equivalent, TiTime enables PEMFC stacks to achieve >65% peak efficiency, <0.5 mΩ·cm² contact resistance, and lifetimes surpassing 10,000 hours under automotive duty cycles.
PEMFC Technology and Bipolar Plate Fundamentals
PEMFC systems convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity via electrochemical reactions at the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), producing water as the only byproduct. Operating at 60–80°C and ambient pressure, PEMFCs excel in rapid startup (<5 seconds), high power density (>2 kW/L), and zero-emission operation, making them ideal for FCEVs, backup power, and grid support.
The bipolar plate is the stack’s multifunctional backbone, comprising 30–40% of cost, 50% of volume, and up to 80% of mass. It ensures:
- Electrical Conduction: Serially connects cells with ultra-low resistance, harvesting electrons from H₂ oxidation (anode) to O₂ reduction (cathode).
- Reactant Distribution: Serpentine or parallel flow channels deliver H₂/O₂ uniformly to the MEA, preventing hotspots and flooding while enabling water removal.
- Thermal/Water Management: High-conductivity materials dissipate >50 W/cm² heat and channel coolant for isothermal operation.
- Structural Integrity: Acts as a gas separator, withstanding 5–10 bar differential pressure without leakage.
TiTime’s titanium-coated plates outperform traditional graphite (brittle, heavy) and stainless steel (corrosion-prone) by combining lightweight design (density 4.5 g/cm³ vs. 7.8 g/cm³ for SS) with superior corrosion resistance in humid, acidic environments (pH 2–4).
Typical PEMFC Stack Architecture (Outer to Inner)
- End Plates — Aluminum or composite for uniform compression (20–50 Nm torque).
- Insulation & Seals — Silicone gaskets (0.1–0.2 mm thick) for electrical isolation and H₂/O₂ crossover prevention (<0.1 sccm/cm²).
- Bipolar Plates (TiTime Core) — Grade 1/2 titanium base (0.1–0.3 mm thick, 100–500 cm² active area), etched serpentine/parallel channels (width/depth: 0.5–1 mm), TiN/Pt/Ir coating for ICR <0.5 mΩ·cm².
- Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) — Carbon fiber paper (porosity 70–80%) for uniform current collection and water transport.
- Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) — Nafion® or reinforced PFSA membrane (15–25 µm) with Pt/C catalysts (0.1–0.4 mg/cm² loading), achieving <0.65 V/cell at 1.5 A/cm².
- Symmetric Stacking — 200–400 cells for 50–100 kW modules, enabling >5 kW/kg power density.
TiTime PEMFC Bipolar Plate Core Performance
- Contact Resistance: <0.5 mΩ·cm² (new), <1.2 mΩ·cm² after 10,000 h (ASTM D257, 1.5 MPa compression) – 40% lower than uncoated SS.
- Corrosion Stability: <10 µA/cm² at 0.6 V/1.0 V (anode/cathode) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄, 80°C; no pitting after 5,000 h DOE testing.
- Gas/Water Management: Serpentine designs yield 95% uniformity at 2 m/s flow, reducing flooding by 30% via hydrophilic surface treatments.
- Mechanical Durability: Flexural strength >200 MPa; vibration resistance per ISO 16750 (10–2,000 Hz, 5 g RMS).
- Efficiency Impact: Enables stack voltages >0.68 V/cell at 1 A/cm², boosting system efficiency to 62% (HHV) in real-world FCEV operation.
TiTime Proprietary Manufacturing and Customization
TiTime’s processes, rooted in semiconductor-grade precision, deliver cost-effective scalability:
- Micron-Level Etching: Dry-film photolithography + chemical etching (±5 µm tolerance, Ra <0.2 µm surface finish) for full/partial engraving and logo integration – 60% lower development cost than stamping or CNC.
- Advanced Coatings: 7-stage plasma activation + pulsed electrodeposition for dense TiN (2–5 µm) or Pt/Ir (0.5–2 µm) layers; vacuum annealing eliminates stresses for zero delamination.
- Flow Field Optimization: CFD-simulated serpentine/parallel/interdigitated patterns extend residence time by 20–50%, enhancing mass transport and drainage.
- Full-System Solutions: Custom MEA-compatible designs, including enhanced polymer reinforcements for high-pressure (>5 bar) operation; one-stop coating, assembly, and validation services.
Our automated lines support roll-to-roll production, with <0.1% defect rates via in-line helium leak testing, 4-point ICR mapping, and SEM/XPS analysis.
Why Global PEMFC Leaders Rely on TiTime
- Scale-Proven Reliability: >500 MW shipped by November 2025, with 25–35% mass/volume reductions driving FCEV range >500 km.
- Cost & Efficiency Gains: Real-world data: 5–8% higher peak power, 15–20% lower LCOH (levelized cost of hydrogen equivalent).
- Rapid Customization: 4-week prototyping; partnerships with top catalyst suppliers (e.g., Johnson Matthey, Umicore) for integrated stacks.
- Sustainability Edge: 100% recyclable titanium, LCA-optimized for <1 kg CO₂-eq/kWh lifecycle emissions.
TiTime – Redefining PEMFC bipolar plates for the hydrogen economy’s commercial breakthrough.
Contact: info@titimecn.com
Website: www.titime.com
