Boston Materials and Paris-based advanced materials specialist Arkema have released a new bipolar plate made of 100% recycled carbon fiber that increases the capacity of fuel cells.
According to Boston Materials, the new product uses 100% recycled carbon fiber to make ZRT composite film, and then makes lightweight bipolar plates, breaking through the cost and weight goals of the hydrogen fuel cell market in one fell swoop. Today, hydrogen technology is rapidly emerging as one of the clean alternatives for the power industry, especially in warehouse automation, drones, long-distance trucking, and aviation applications. Lightweight bipolar plates can greatly increase the capacity of fuel cells and enable hydrogen Fuel cells are more competitive than other alternatives.
"With this new product, Boston Materials unlocks significant performance and cost advantages for fuel cell manufacturers, enabling them to shift end users from relying on fossil fuels to harnessing more powerful and cleaner hydrogen power," said the source. system."
In hydrogen fuel cells and energy storage, bipolar plates are a key component of fuel cell stacks. It passes the current generated within the fuel cell through the entire stack, ensuring the proper flow of hydrogen and water and maintaining the overall structure while enduring the high temperatures and corrosive conditions inside. Bipolar plates, which make up 80 percent of the stack's total weight, are said to be more than 50 percent lighter than existing stainless steel plates using Boston Materials' ZRT composite film. This weight reduction increases the fuel cell's capacity by 30 percent.
“We are excited to be working with Boston Materials to develop this new energy storage application,” the person noted. "Together we have the potential to open up new market opportunities for polymer composites and significantly reduce overall carbon emissions within the industry."
Boston Materials' ZRT composite films are manufactured using the company's patented Z-axis fiber technology. Made from 100% recycled carbon fiber, the Z-axis fiber is an energy-efficient product with a low carbon footprint.