Singulus Optimizes Coatings for Metallic Bipolar Plates Used in Fuel Cells

Singulus Technologies successfully entered the expanding hydrogen market with the further development of suitable coating processes as well as the corresponding adaptation of its machine technology.

With the company's core competence in vacuum coating technology (PVD sputtering), efficient solutions for various applications, such as the production of bipolar plates, can be provided.

Singulus Technologies works intensively with partners on the development and optimization of coatings for metallic bipolar plates used in fuel cells and electrolyzers.

The modular inline sputtering system GENERIS PVD from Singulus Technologies enables the variable deposition of different layer systems and offers the possibility to sputter bipolar plates in all common sizes with a flexible substrate carrier system.

The dynamic inline vacuum PVD sputtering enables high-quality and cost-efficient production.

Dr.-Ing. Stefan Rinck, CEO, Singulus Technologies: "For the application in the production of fuel cells we are working on the development and optimization of the sputter process and the equipment technology for the deposition of metallic bipolar plates with suitable nitride and carbide protective layers as well as other innovative processes."

The modularly designed GENERIS PVD inline coating system can be used to deposit different coating systems. With its flexible substrate carrier system, the GENERIS PVD offers the possibility of coating bipolar plates in all common sizes. Dr. Stefan Rinck adds: "In cooperation with leading European institutes, we are working on optimizing the coating processes and results in the field of hydrogen technology. We are convinced that the use of green hydrogen makes ecological sense and that the market will grow at an above-average rate."

Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water, using only electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind or hydropower for the electrolysis.

Regardless of the electrolysis technology chosen, the production of hydrogen in this case is CO2-free, as the electricity used comes 100% from renewable sources and is therefore CO2-neutral.