Enhanced performance of Ti–Nb–N film modified 316L stainless steel and Ti bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane water electrolyser

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyser (PEMWE) is crucial for contemporary hydrogen generation technology. However, the corrosion of bipolar plates (BPPs) poses a significant challenge primarily due to the high anodic potential and acidic environments throughout the operation. This study compares the performance of the innovative Ti–Nb–N film modified 316L stainless steel and Ti bipolar plates under simulated PEMWE operating conditions. Interfacial contact resistance (ICR) experimental results confirm that the Ti–Nb–N film significantly reduces the ICR of the modified Ti plates and 316L stainless steel by approximately 77.7% and 91.0% respectively. According to the polarization tests, the Ecorr of the modified 316L stainless steel and Ti plates shows positive shifts, increasing by 318.49 mV and 376.64 mV, respectively. The Ti–Nb–N film modified 316L stainless steel plates are durable up to 1.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), while modified Ti plates maintain performance up to 1.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl).