Abstract: A method and a fuel cell are described in which it is possible to combine the advantages of a precious-metal coating, which, for example, reduces the contact resistance between a pole plate and current collector of a fuel cell, with low production costs. This becomes possible since it has been established that a sufficient and sometimes even improved reduction in the contact resistance of a component to a contact element is achieved even with a minimal precious-metal coating that is not continuous.

Abstract: A method and a fuel cell are described in which it is possible to combine the advantages of a precious-metal coating, which, for example, reduces the contact resistance between a pole plate and current collector of a fuel cell, with low production costs. This becomes possible since it has been established that a sufficient and sometimes even improved reduction in the contact resistance of a component to a contact element is achieved even with a minimal precious-metal coating that is not continuous.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided which includes iron-based alloys for the construction of the solid parts of the fuel cell. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode unit and solid constructive parts which may include current collectors, a cell frame and a bipolar plate. At least one of these solid constructive parts is made from an iron-based material that preferably has an effective weight percent of iron of greater than or equal to 26.9 percent.

Abstract: A process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation includes providing at least one PEM fuel cell module having an inlet valve for hydrogen H.sub.2 and an inlet valve for oxygen O.sub.2. In order to switch off the PEM fuel cell module, the oxygen O.sub.2 inlet valve is closed in a first step, and the hydrogen H.sub.2 inlet valve is closed in a second step when a predetermined oxygen O.sub.2 partial pressure at a cathode part of the PEM fuel cell module is reached. Reliable operation of the PEM fuel cell installation is guaranteed by this measure.

Abstract: A process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation includes providing at least one PEM fuel cell module having an inlet valve for hydrogen H2 and an inlet valve for oxygen O2. In order to switch off the PEM fuel cell module, the oxygen O2 inlet valve is closed in a first step, and the hydrogen H2 inlet valve is closed in a second step when a predetermined oxygen O2 partial pressure at a cathode part of the PEM fuel cell module is reached. Reliable operation of the PEM fuel cell installation is guaranteed by this measure.