Graphitic Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cells

Put Fuel Cells in the Fast Lane with Our Materials

The mobility transition is gaining momentum worldwide. Sustainable and resource-saving drive systems are in demand – while battery-powered vehicles are still the focus for cars, the future of trucks and ships lies in the use of fuel cells. Our graphitic bipolar plates are a key component of this future technology, having proven their reliability in fuel cells hundreds of thousands of times. Benefit from our extensive expertise in both manufacturing and materials – it’s no coincidence that these are regarded as reference materials and benchmarks in industry and research.

Increase Range, Save Time, Boost Efficiency

Fuel cells are far ahead of batteries for trucks

Both in shipping and for long-haul trucks, fuel cells can make mobility more sustainable and help solve emission challenges. However, as in the automotive sector, fuel cells in trucks and ships also compete with lithium-ion batteries. When it comes to efficiency, durability, cost-effectiveness, and safety, fuel cells clearly have the upper hand. We believe that current challenges, such as economic hydrogen production and the development of a distribution infrastructure, can be overcome. Especially for trucks, our commitment is clear: hydrogen is the energy carrier of the future.

Advantages of fuel cells over lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are already being widely used in e-mobility – but for long-haul trucks, fuel cells offer many advantages:

Range: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles typically have a greater range compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Quick Refueling: Refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is relatively fast, similar to refueling a vehicle with a conventional internal combustion engine.
Energy Density: Fuel cells have a higher energy density than current batteries, meaning more energy can be stored per unit of weight, leading to lighter and more compact energy storage systems.

Why Schunk?

Fuel cells: the technology of the future, already realized today

Graphitic bipolar plates from Schunk are the central component of fuel cell stacks for hydrogen drives. With their excellent corrosion resistance, they impress in fuel cells with extreme long-term stability. High electrical conductivity, very good mechanical strength, and design flexibility are further advantages. Our high-performance material has proven itself for many years in electrochemical applications. With our press-to-size technology, channel structures or surface structuring can be realized in a single step. An additional surface refinement significantly boosts performance.

Graphitic Bipolar Plates

We offer our graphitic bipolar plates (Schunk Durapower™) in both molded and extruded forms. Both are durable products with excellent properties and impressive performance. Combined with our material and process expertise, as well as our ability to produce high volumes, we provide you with a unique all-around package.

Learn more about our graphitic bipolar plates

Brochure: Bipolar Plates

For Fuel Cells and Redox Flow Batteries

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Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our fuel cell components or if you need a customer-specific solution. Together, we’ll find the right answer to your needs!