Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and a process for the preparation of porous bipolar plates with pore volume density and pore size that can result in high water uptake by the plates while providing the desired resistance against gas permeation. The combination of porogens (pore-forming agents) with specific types of graphite particles and polymer binders provides the desired characteristics. The porous bipolar plates have high electrical conductivity and flexural strength.

Abstract: A fuel cell engine generates electricity for electric vehicles or for industrial uses. The evaporatively cooled fuel cell engine incorporates de-ionized water-cooling process, in which de-ionized water flowing through the cooling subsystem becomes ionized with carbon dioxide. The water scrubber subsystem of the invention uses differences in partial pressures across a thin ion-exchange membrane to draw the contaminating ions out of the flow or stream of the circulating water. Because the partial pressures of carbon dioxide is different on either side of the membrane, the carbon dioxide ions move from the side of the circulating water to the anode exhaust purge side through the ion-exchange membrane in order to achieve equilibrium. This results in reducing the carbon dioxide ions (and any other gaseous ions) in the flow or stream of circulating water before the water enters the fuel cell stack. This results in greater fuel cell performance and a longer lasting de-ionizing filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and a process for the preparation of porous bipolar plates with pore volume density and pore size that can result in high water uptake by the plates while providing the desired resistance against gas permeation. The combination of porogens (pore-forming agents) with specific types of graphite particles and polymer binders provides the desired characteristics. The porous bipolar plates have high electrical conductivity and flexural strength.