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

Report Highlights

The global market value of components for PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) as defined by the membrane, the bipolar plates, the gaseous diffusion layers, and the catalyst ink and electrodes, is an estimated $383 million in 2010. This market is expected to grow at a 20.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the 5-year forecast period to reach $977 million in 2015.

Report Scope

The fuel cell industry in various forms has been developing for decades. There are notable examples of fuel cell successes. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell 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. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell 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/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 2006, 2009, and 2010 and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projections for 2015 for the North American, European, Far Eastern, and rest-of-world markets. Selected 2006 actuals will help as a basis for today’s markets and tomorrow’s projections. When appropriate, consensus, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios are presented. A patent analysis and discussion for power sources and vehicle components describes where research is performed and emphasizes intellectual property issues.

Analyst Credentials

This report’s project analyst, Donald Saxman, is the editor of BCC Research’s Fuel Cell Industry Report and Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Progress newsletters, and has founded several other BCC newsletters. Mr. Saxman has more than 28 years of experience in market analysis, technical writing, and newsletter editing. Since 1983, he has operated as a technical market consultant and subcontractor to BCC Research, and, in this capacity, he has prepared more than 80 technology market research reports, including many that covered battery technology and battery markets. His previous experience includes supervision of a quality-control laboratory at a major secondary lead refinery, experience as an analytical chemist at a hazardous waste testing service, product assurance manager for a space station life-support-system project, and an information technology business analyst and project manager.