Nanostructured Coatings to Extend the Component Lifetime in Electrochemical Devices Based on Proton Exchange Membrane

Abstract

Increasing the service life of electrochemical devices is an important task, the solution of which will ensure their competitiveness and commercial attractiveness. One of the methods of protecting device elements from corrosion is the application of coatings of various compositions. Various methods are used, both chemical and physical. Recently, plasma methods, especially magnetron sputtering, have attracted increasing attention. Control of the plasma parameters allows the deposition of crystalline and amorphous coatings and films of different thicknesses (even very thin ones) having the required composition, structure, stoichiometry, density, and porosity. A detailed description and analysis of nanometer coatings and island films of noble metals (Pt, Au, Ir, Pd), which are traditionally used for protective coatings, is presented. We also describe promising nanostructured coatings from carbides and nitrides of transition metals of Groups IV–VI (Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W) and carbon-based nanostructured films (amorphous carbon, diamond-like, graphite). They are synthesized under various modes and conditions of magnetron sputtering using plasma- and heat-treatment methods. Tests under conditions close to real ones show their high efficiency in extending the service life of devices. The magnetron-sputtering method is a promising technology with a wide range of applications for coating electrochemical devices, which is confirmed by the references. The optimization of application modes and conditions will make it possible to achieve the greater efficiency and stability of nanostructured coatings.