Electrochemical behavior of 304 stainless steel with electrodeposited niobium as PEMFC bipolar plates

In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel, niobium was electrodeposited on its surface in air- and water-stable ionic liquids. The electrochemical behaviors of bare and niobium-coated 304 stainless steel were evaluated by electrochemical tests in a simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environment. The results showed that niobium could be electrodeposited on the surface of 304 stainless steel from ionic liquids, and a smooth and strong chemical inert compound film was obtained on the surface of 304 stainless steel, which was mainly composed of NbO and Nb₂O₅. The thin composite film acted as a barrier and remarkably improved the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel in the PEMFC environment.