The Latest Material Developments for PEM Fuel Cells

The market for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells is growing rapidly, driven by the desire for zero-emission transportation, including on-road vehicles, trains, and ships. Typically, a PEM fuel cell consists of a number of well-defined components, integrated together to form a fuel cell stack. The primary components are the bipolar plate (BPP), the gas diffusion layer (GDL), the proton exchange membrane (PEM) or ionomer, and the catalyst-coated membrane (CCM). The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consists of the PEM, CCM and GDL.

 

The technology landscape for these components is set to change in many varied ways over the coming years. Alternative options are emerging, both in terms of material innovation and manufacturing processes, capable of challenging dominant incumbent materials for some components. Meanwhile, proposed restrictive regulations for PFAS materials could have a major impact on the membrane market. This innovation is mirrored in the growth of the materials market for PEM fuel cells, which IDTechEx forecasts to exceed a value of US$8bn by 2034.

 

In this webinar, IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst Dr Conor O'Brien will discuss the latest developments and technology trends in materials for PEM fuel cells, the growing material demands, as well as the scope of the supply chain within the industry.

 

This webinar will:

 

More details and ten-year market forecasts can be found in IDTechEx's new comprehensive report "Materials for PEM Fuel Cells 2024-2034: Technologies, Markets, Players". These forecasts are based on extensive research of OEMs, material suppliers, and manufacturers of key components: BPPs, GDLs, ionomer membranes, CCMs, and MEAs. IDTechEx highlights the key technology trends for each component, benchmarks alternative materials, and outlines dominant and emerging manufacturing methods together with granular ten-year forecasts and company profiles.