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 %.