Investigation the Properties and Morphology of the Gold Nano-layer Coating on Bipolar Plates in Fuel-cell via Sputtering Method

In this research, the properties and morphology development of gold nano-layer coat builds on fuel cell bipolar plates via Sputtering method were investigated. Morphology and surface microstructure of samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy. Also in order to evaluate the electrical conductivity of the coated samples, electrical resistance were measured. Scanning electron microscopy results implies the formation of the gold nano-layer with appropriate and smooth morphology on surface. Also, according to test results of electrical resistance, resistance of samples coated with 20 nm thick layer of gold was about half the resistance of uncoated samples, And this issue represents a significant increase in the electrical conductivity of the coated samples.