Review on Bipolar Plate Technology: Bridging the Gap between Material Development and Electrochemical Systems for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Electrochemical systems such as fuel cells, redox flow batteries (RFBs), and electrolyzers have emerged as promising green energy technologies to replace conventional fossil fuel-based sources. Among the critical components in these systems, the bipolar plate (BPP) plays a pivotal role, as its material properties and structural characteristics directly influence overall device performance. Recent years have seen considerable efforts focused on advancing BPP technology to meet the specific demands of various electrochemical applications. However, existing review articles tend to focus on either material development or fabrication techniques within a single electrochemical system, without adequately addressing the broader implications of BPP design across different systems. To bridge this gap, the present review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress and persistent challenges in BPP development from a cross-platform perspective, encompassing fuel cells, electrolyzers, and RFB. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of BPP materials tailored to the specific operational environments of each system. Furthermore, the influence of BPP material characteristics on device performance is critically examined, and potential directions for future research are proposed.