With the expansion of the hydrogen economy, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are experiencing continuous innovation, particularly in the development of advanced materials. While certain components remain dominated by well-established materials, new competitive alternatives are steadily emerging, signalling a shift in the technological landscape.
In addition to examining the increasing demand for components, supply chain dynamics, and major technology trends, IDTechEx projects that the PEM fuel cell materials market will grow at a CAGR of 24% over the coming decade.
As the adoption of fuel cells accelerates across mobility and stationary applications, demand for materials and components used in PEM fuel cells is expected to rise significantly. IDTechEx has published a new report titled Materials for PEM Fuel Cells 2026 – 2036: Technologies, Markets, Players, which provides detailed 10-year forecasts segmented by application and covering key fuel cell components in terms of unit volume and market value. In addition to these comprehensive forecasts, the report offers competitive landscape assessments, technology benchmarking, and trend analysis for both materials and components integral to PEM fuel cell systems, providing valuable insight into the evolving opportunities and challenges within this rapidly growing market.
A PEM fuel cell is made up of several essential components, with multiple cells assembled together to create a fuel cell stack. The bipolar plate (BPP) distributes fuel and oxidant throughout the cell, while the gas diffusion layer (GDL) facilitates the transport of reactants to, and products away from, the catalyst layer. The catalyst is applied to the membrane, forming a catalyst-coated membrane (CCM), which enables the transport of protons from one side of the cell to the other. Together, the PEM, CCM, and GDL comprise the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) – the core of the fuel cell. PEM fuel cells are projected to be used in a number of sectors, including transportation such as fuel cell electric vehicles, trains and marine applications, while the stationary market also shows interesting dynamics. The material choices are heavily dependent on the end-use application and IDTechEx rigorously discuss the rationale behind material choices seen in the market.
Bipolar plates (BPPs) serve as the structural backbone of a fuel cell, providing mechanical support, separating hydrogen and oxygen gases, and collecting the electrical current generated during operation. Given their multiple critical functions, selecting an appropriate BPP material requires careful consideration of several key parameters including mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as the design of the flow field channels. IDTechEx benchmarks the two predominant BPP material options, graphite and metal, and provides an analysis of component suppliers, their respective material choices, and existing supply chain partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The MEA is a core component of a fuel cell, consisting of the PEM, the CCM, and the GDL. While the GDL is often considered the simplest element within the cell, it plays a crucial role in water management, directly impacting fuel cell efficiency and durability. This report provides an overview of the key players in the GDL market, highlighting technological differentiators and identifying OEM supply relationships. Additionally, it explores material innovation trends aimed at improving the GDL’s capability to manage water transport and balance within the fuel cell.
The PEM facilitates the transfer of protons from one side of the fuel cell to the other and is typically composed of a specialised polymer known as an ionomer. The current market leader is Nafion, produced by Chemours, though several alternative ionomer materials are now commercially available. A key point to consider for PEMs is the discourse surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which currently dominate fuel cell applications. IDTechEx benchmarks emerging membrane materials against the incumbent, focusing on three critical parameters: electrical resistance, ion exchange capacity (IEC), and membrane thickness. In response to a desire to move away from PFAS, alternative materials including hydrocarbon-based polymers are gaining attention as promising next-generation PEM solutions.
A critical aspect of PEM fuel cell performance lies in the integration of a catalytic material that facilitates the electrochemical reactions at sub -100°C operating temperatures, consistent with the aqueous environment necessary for effective proton transport within the PEM. Traditionally, platinum and other platinum group metals (PGMs) have been employed as catalysts due to their exceptional activity and stability. However, the high cost of these precious metals remains a major barrier to reducing overall fuel cell stack costs.
The IDTechEx report identifies key PGM catalyst suppliers to OEMs, providing forecasts for PGM demand and assessing the economic value associated with incorporating these materials into CCMs. Ongoing R&D efforts in the field are focused on lowering catalyst costs, either by reducing PGM loading through improved efficiency and dispersion techniques or by developing alternative, non-PGM catalyst materials that can achieve comparable performance and durability.