Separator for fuel cells

Abstract

A separator for fuel cells is provided, which has excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and gas impermeability. The separator is a molded article of a carbon-phenol resin molding compound obtained by reacting a phenol with an aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst, while mixing them with a carbon powder. As the catalyst, it is possible to use at least one selected from tertiary amines, carbonates, hydroxides and oxides of alkali metals or alkali earth metals. It is preferred that a content of nitrogen constituent in the molding compound is 0.3 wt % or less, and a carbon content in the molding compound is within a range of 75 wt % to 97 wt %.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A separator for fuel cells, which is a molded article of a carbon-phenol resin molding compound obtained by reacting a phenol with an aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst, while mixing with a carbon powder.  
     
     
         2 . The separator as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the molded article is of a thin-plate shape having a flow channel.  
     
     
         3 . The separator as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a carbon content in the molding compound is within a range of 75 wt % to 97 wt %.  
     
     
         4 . The separator as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said catalyst is at least one selected from tertiary amines, carbonates, hydroxides and oxides of alkali metals or alkali earth metals.  
     
     
         5 . The separator as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a content of nitrogen constituent in the molding compound is 0.3 wt % or less.  
     
     
         6 . The separator as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said carbon powder contains 90 wt % or more of fixed carbon.