BOSTON, April 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Membrane materials are of
fundamental importance for fuel cells, even giving their name to
the specific type of fuel cell, as is the case for Proton Exchange
Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Typically, these membranes consist of
ionomers containing perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which in turn
are subject to increasing concern and proposed regulations. In
response to this, alternative materials for membranes are beginning
to emerge.
The IDTechEx report on the topic, "Materials for PEM Fuel Cells
2024-2034: Technologies, Markets, Players", gives a detailed
technical overview of membranes and other key components for PEM
fuel cells and predicts the beginning of a transition away from
PFAS membranes to alternatives within the next three to five years.
The report also assesses the major players and provides granular
10-year market forecasts for key fuel cell components and materials
in terms of both units and volume.
PEMs carry out a key role in the fuel cell; transporting protons
across the cell while keeping the two fuels (oxygen and hydrogen)
separated. The IDTechEx report extensively benchmarks the market
leader against competing ionomer materials for three of the most
crucial parameters for PEMs: electrical resistance, ion exchange
capacity (IEC), and membrane thickness.
Although the membrane must be ionically conductive with respect
to transporting protons, it is of crucial importance that the
material is electrically insulating to avoid short-circuiting the
cell. Rapid proton transport across the cell is enabled by a
combination of high IEC and a thin membrane structure. Promising
alternatives to PFAS-containing membranes exist; however, these are
at an early stage, with no clear forerunner in the race to replace
PFAS.
Proposed PFAS regulations will necessitate the development of
alternative membrane materials for PEM fuel cells. Some of the
promising options include hydrocarbons and MOF membranes, but which
material parameters are key for success? Source: IDTechEx
In terms of emerging alternative materials, the question of
which material parameters are of key importance must be addressed.
The membrane is subject to oxidizing and reducing environments on
either side of the cell and so must be able to exist in harsh,
opposing conditions. The mechanical strength of the membrane
directly impacts the performance of the fuel cell. A material with
a higher strength can be manufactured to be thinner, leading to a
higher power density for the fuel cell stack. Reinforcement can be
added to the membrane by manufacturing a composite material. It is
imperative that the membrane is impermeable to all but the protons
that are exchanged from one side of the fuel cell to the other. Gas
crossover occurs if either gas passes through the membrane, while
the fuel cell would be short-circuited if the membrane is
electrically conductive and allows electrons to pass through.
Finally, as for all material supply, it is important that the
membrane material can be produced easily and at a low cost.
So, which materials are at the fore of replacing PFAS in PEM
fuel cells? Prototype developmental projects are underway with
various OEMs, and novel materials are gaining traction,
predominantly at an academic level. IDTechEx provides an assessment
of composite membranes containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs),
benchmarking various materials across a number of parameters.
Historically, hydrocarbons have not seen success as membrane
materials due to their tendency to disintegrate in the harsh
chemical environments within the fuel cell. However, recent
advances have seen the development of hydrocarbon ion-exchange
membranes capable of fulfilling the requirements for PEM fuel
cells. Ultimately, IDTechEx expects to see the beginning of a
transition away from PFAS membranes to alternatives (led by
hydrocarbons) within the next three to five years.
Beyond fuel cells, increased restrictions on PFAS driving
development of alternative materials in various other emerging
technologies. IDTechEx has released a new report, "Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 2024: Emerging Applications,
Alternatives, Regulations", providing an assessment of emerging
PFAS alternatives in critical application areas such as the
hydrogen economy, 5G, electric vehicles, and sustainable packaging.
Also included is an extensive analysis of current and proposed
regulations limiting the use of PFAS.
For more details on the materials demand, trends, and emerging
novel alternatives to the incumbents for PEM fuel cells, see the
IDTechEx market report "Materials for PEM Fuel Cells 2024-2034:
Technologies, Markets, Players".
For more information on this report, including downloadable
sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/MPEMFC.
For the full portfolio of market research from IDTechEx, please
visit www.IDTechEx.com.
About IDTechEx:
IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging
technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been
helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply
chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more
information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or
visit www.IDTechEx.com.
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