The University of Wollongong has embarked on a groundbreaking project to revolutionize the production of bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells. Distinguished Professor Zheng Jiang from the School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, and Dr. Hui Wu, an Honorary Fellow at UOW, are leading this initiative. They will work alongside industry partners Baosteel and SNS Unicorp, with support from the Australian Research Council, which has allocated $565,193 over three years as part of the Linkage Project Scheme Round 2.
This project aims to create a new austenitic stainless steel bipolar plate, which promises to enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cells. Austenitic stainless steel, known for its nonmagnetic properties and resistance to corrosion, is an ideal material for this application. Its crystalline structure offers superior durability compared to traditional materials like graphite, which are brittle and expensive, or other steels that are prone to corrosion in acidic and high-humidity environments.
Bipolar plates are critical components in hydrogen fuel cells, responsible for managing the flow of electrical charges and providing structural integrity to the fuel cell stack. The new manufacturing process being developed by UOW researchers seeks to address long-standing issues associated with traditional bipolar plate materials. The innovative approach aims to be green, efficient, and cost-effective, thereby reducing industrial pollution and operational costs while improving the overall performance of hydrogen fuel cells.
Professor Jiang expressed enthusiasm about the project and its potential impact on clean manufacturing and hydrogen fuel cell technology in Australia. He highlighted the importance of such research in advancing the country’s clean energy goals and reducing carbon emissions. "The project will lead to a breakthrough in steelmaking by significantly reducing industrial pollution and operation costs and enhancing the overall performance of hydrogen fuel cells," said Professor Jiang.
The significance of this project extends beyond the academic realm, with UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor David Currow commending the researchers and their industry partners for their success. "Manufacturing and industry have such an integral role to play in the nation’s move towards clean energy, and projects like this show that we are heading in the right direction towards achieving a sustainable future," said Professor Currow. He congratulated Professor Jiang, Dr. Wu, and the teams at Baosteel and SNS Unicorp for their contributions to this innovative and essential project.
