24th International Conference “New Cryogenic and Isotope Technologies for Energy and Environment"- EnergEn 2023, Băile Govora, Romania

Bipolar plates and current collectors are metallic components for commercial MCFC stacks. For commercial MCFC systems, up to 55 % of the material content could be the metallic hardware (for the complete system). The stability in a corrosive carbonate atmosphere at high temperature, good electrical conductivity and low contact resistance with the electrodes are desired characteristics of bipolar plates and current collectors. Stainless steels like 310 S (24–26 wt. % Cr) and 304 L (16–18 wt. % Cr) have emerged as materials of choice for MCFC hardware. However, the hot corrosion in the presence of the carbonate melt is a critical issue with these materials for long-term operation. One of the methods of protecting and improving the corrosion properties of steel is the application of coatings based on nitrides. The corrosion resistance of Cr-N coatings is better than that of stainless steel and other nitride coatings in the high temperature pressurized water and the oxidation rate in air at 600/800°С is low. One of the most commonly deposition technique used is cathodic arc evaporation due to excellent characteristics of the coatings. The coatings are characterized by high hardness, good adhesion to the substrate, high density, homogeneity.