Expanded and nano-structured carbonaceous graphite for high performance anisotropic fuel cell polymer composites

We disclose a novel high pressure design, non-destructive structural analysis and fabrication of bipolar plate composites (BPC) that are highly conductive yet mechanically flexible. Here we report the highest electrical conductivity of 221 S cm−1 of a BPC by tailoring graphitic structure of carbon nanomaterials and their functional attributes through enhancement of in-plane conductivity as well as mechanical strength; another advanced BPC also displays a maximum flexural strength of 52 MPa. These key functional efficiency enhancements of hydrogen based electric power trains components became highly relevant for medium to heavy duty transportation. Evidently, tunable, expandable and expanded graphitic composites can play a major role in facilitating the fabrication of a light-weight high-performance plates for fuel cell application.