Materials for Proton Exchange Membranes and Membrane Electrode Assemblies for PEM Fuel Cells

Report Highlights

The global market for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) reached $340 million and $460 million in 2010 and 2014, respectively. This market is expected to reach $534 million by 2015 and $1.9 billion by 2020, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.4% from 2015 to 2020.

Report Includes

• An overview of the global market for materials for proton exchange membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for PEM fuel cells.
• Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2010 and 2014, estimates for 2015, and projections of CAGRs through 2020.
• Examination of bipolar plates for PEMFCs, including direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs); this includes the gas diffusion layer (GDL), the catalyst ink/electrode, the membrane itself, and the bipolar plate.
• Discussion covering the history and advancing technology of these components, the companies involved in these developments, the current and projected incentives, and the projected markets for such technologies.
• Presentations of consensus, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios.
• Patent analysis as well as discussion covering power sources and vehicle components, emphasizing intellectual property issues.
• Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the field.

SCOPE OF REPORT

The fuel cell industry in various forms has been developing for decades. There are notable examples of fuel cell successes. The PEMFC is emerging as a winner in many of the primary categories that fuel cells can satisfy. Existing membranes and assemblies still have room for improvement. PEMFC development and commercialization is an ever-changing process. This BCC Research analysis examines the market and technology for the materials and technology of proton exchange membranes and electrode assemblies and for bipolar plates for PEMFCs, including direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). This includes the gas diffusion layer (GDL), the catalyst ink or electrode, the membrane itself and the bipolar plate. Ancillary stack assembly materials such as bolts, gaskets, tie-outs, and final assembly and packaging costs are excluded.

This report details the actuals for 2010 and 2014, forecasts for 2015, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projections for 2020. When appropriate, consensus, optimistic and pessimistic scenarios are presented. A patent analysis and discussion of power sources and vehicle components describes where research is performed and emphasizes intellectual property issues. An extensive set of company profiles is provided.

Analyst Credentials

Donald Saxman is an industry-recognized expert in gas separation and oil recovery through carbon dioxide injection. His experience in both markets and technologies for corrosion inhibitors, and industrial gas end uses informs his research. While working for Zellweger Analytics as a subcontractor to Boeing Aerospace, he was quality assurance manager for the design, manufacture and testing of an organic carbon monitor for the International Space Station and its water recycling system. Saxman has worked with BCC Research as analyst and author for more than 20 years, and his reports include market research on lithium batteries and solid oxide fuel cells. He holds a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Indiana.