Patent ID: 8592097

Claim:
A bipolar plate comprising: a first outer surface formed by a first side of a first corrosion resistant layer, the first corrosion resistant layer having a plurality of vias formed therein, each via extending completely through the first corrosion resistant layer and being filled with an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant material that it is exposed on the first outer surface; a second outer surface formed by a first side of a second corrosion resistant layer, the second corrosion resistant layer having a plurality of vias formed therein, each via extending completely through the second corrosion resistant layer and being filled with an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant material that it is exposed on the second outer surface; a conductive metallic core, the conductive metallic core having a first primary surface in electrical contact with the material in the plurality of vias of the first corrosion resistant layer and a second primary surface in electrical contact with the material in the plurality of vias of the second corrosion resistant layer; wherein the material in the vias of the first corrosion resistant layer and the second corrosion resistant layer is comprised of a material different from the material forming the conductive metallic core, the first corrosion resistant layer, and the second corrosion resistant layer, and wherein the material in the vias of the first and second corrosion resistant layers form islands on the respective first and second outer surfaces of the bipolar plate, and wherein a material from which the first and second corrosion resistant layers are formed, exclusive of the material in the vias, is substantially electrically resistive such that islands on the first and second outer surfaces are electrically connected primarily through the conductive metallic core.