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A proton-exchange membrane, also known as a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM), is a semipermeable membrane that conducts protons while serving as an electronic insulator and reactive barrier, such as to oxygen and hydrogen gas.
PEMs are often built from ionomers. They serve the crucial purpose of separating reactants and transporting protons without obstructing a direct electronic channel across the membrane when inserted into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell or of a proton-exchange membrane electrolyser. Both pure polymer membranes and composite membranes, in which additional materials are embedded in a polymer matrix, can be used to create PEMs.
The fluoropolymer (PFSA) Nafion is one of the most popular and easily accessible PEM materials. Even though Nafion is an ionomer with a perfluorinated backbone similar to Teflon, there are numerous other structural motifs that can be used to create ionomers for proton-exchange membranes. Many employ polyaromatic polymers, while others use polymers that have been partially fluorinated.
Proton conductivity, methanol permeability (P), and thermal stability are the three main characteristics of proton-exchange membranes. A solid polymer membrane, or thin plastic film, is used in PEM fuel cells. This membrane does not transport electrons but is permeable to protons when it is saturated with water.
PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE MARKET SIZE AND FORECAST
The Global Proton Exchange Membrane market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser, Green Hydrogen from Renewable Energy Sources, Launched by IMI Critical Engineering.
IMI Critical Engineering has released a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser that produces green hydrogen from renewable energy sources, expanding its portfolio of ground-breaking technologies in light of experts’ predictions that the uptake of hydrogen must triple in order to reach global decarbonization targets.
Recently, certification authorities DNV issued a warning that only five percent of the world’s energy mix will be hydrogen. The Paris Agreement, which was a part of a larger commitment to change the world’s energy system in order to limit global temperatures from rising by more than 2°C, set a percentage requirement that this percentage must be below.
IMI Critical Engineering, an engineering consulting firm, claims that achieving the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement will depend on the creation and adoption of green hydrogen technologies that convert water into hydrogen using renewable energy.
The company has introduced the new IMI VIVO Electrolyser, which uses an electric current to pass through water via a membrane and split it into hydrogen and oxygen, in an effort to support the industrial adoption of hydrogen energy.
The Xiao et al for intermediate or high temperature PEMFCs lists three types of electrolyte membranes: inorganic, non-fluorinated arylene, and perfluorosulfonic. These types of membranes are now in demand across a variety of industries.Additionally, at temperatures as high as 210°C, all of those membranes might be thermally stable. Relative humidity can be adjusted to provide exceptional conductivity with the sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (SPPSU) crosslink with carbon nanodots (CCD).
In addition to improving in terms of flexibility and decreased membrane cracking, the membrane’s noteworthy conductivity at 3% CND was 56.3 mS/cm.In addition to CND, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently been used in high temperature PEMFCs to improve PEM using chitosan (CS) in a laborious layer-by-layer method and a basic approach. In addition to PEMFC, DMFC has also used this idea of combining CS with polymer solution. Thus, there is significance for future advances in this well-known notion.
A low-cost infrastructure is essential in the Advent group developing world, where the fight against climate change will be won or lost. Green hydrogen will soon enable the production of synthetic eFuels, making them sustainable for use in these kinds of applications. Flexible hydrogen fuel is now possible due to HT-PEM technology, whereas competitors can only produce ultra-pure hydrogen compressed at 700 bar.
They’ve moved one step closer to achieving their goal of sustainable energy by forming this cooperation.One significant advancement in lowering the necessary infrastructure investments is the capacity to use any fuel that can carry hydrogen, not just pure hydrogen. With the use of hydrogen and water mitigation, HT-PEM fuel cell technology will enable high-efficiency operation in heavy-duty and other difficult-to-decarbonize applications.
Advent intends to commercialise a LANL MEA that utilises a unique chemical. It uses an engineering plastic as the conducting medium instead of water, which enables a greater temperature range and dependable functioning. The technology creators anticipate a significant simplification of the fuel cell system architecture overall, which will lower system expenses.
Even in comparison to Advent’s present commercial products, early data point to a longer longevity. Furthermore, the partnership with BNL will concentrate on the commercialization of ultra-low platinum electrode technology, which can reduce the necessary number of platinum/kilowatts (kW) by 90%. Mobility fuel cells require platinum, an important precious metal, and the BNL technology has the ability to lower prices in addition to supply chain and environmental problems.
North America
The North American market, particularly the USA, will be one of the prime markets for (Proton Exchange Membrane) due to the nature of industrial automation in the region, high consumer spending compared to other regions, and the growth of various industries, mainly AI, along with constant technological advancements. The GDP of the USA is one of the largest in the world, and it is home to various industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, and Technology. The average consumer spending in the region was $72K in 2023, and this is set to increase over the forecast period. Industries are focused on industrial automation and increasing efficiency in the region. This will be facilitated by the growth in IoT and AI across the board. Due to tensions in geopolitics, much manufacturing is set to shift towards the USA and Mexico, away from China. This shift will include industries such as semiconductors and automotive.
Europe
The European market, particularly Western Europe, is another prime market for (Proton Exchange Membrane) due to the strong economic conditions in the region, bolstered by robust systems that support sustained growth. This includes research and development of new technologies, constant innovation, and developments across various industries that promote regional growth. Investments are being made to develop and improve existing infrastructure, enabling various industries to thrive. In Western Europe, the margins for (Proton Exchange Membrane) are higher than in other parts of the world due to regional supply and demand dynamics. Average consumer spending in the region was lower than in the USA in 2023, but it is expected to increase over the forecast period.
Eastern Europe is anticipated to experience a higher growth rate compared to Western Europe, as significant shifts in manufacturing and development are taking place in countries like Poland and Hungary. However, the Russia-Ukraine war is currently disrupting growth in this region, with the lack of an immediate resolution negatively impacting growth and creating instability in neighboring areas. Despite these challenges, technological hubs are emerging in Eastern Europe, driven by lower labor costs and a strong supply of technological capabilities compared to Western Europe.
There is a significant boom in manufacturing within Europe, especially in the semiconductor industry, which is expected to influence other industries. Major improvements in the development of sectors such as renewable energy, industrial automation, automotive manufacturing, battery manufacturing and recycling, and AI are poised to promote the growth of (Proton Exchange Membrane) in the region.
Asia
Asia will continue to be the global manufacturing hub for (Proton Exchange Membrane Market) over the forecast period with China dominating the manufacturing. However, there will be a shift in manufacturing towards other Asian countries such as India and Vietnam. The technological developments will come from China, Japan, South Korea, and India for the region. There is a trend to improve the efficiency as well as the quality of goods and services to keep up with the standards that are present internationally as well as win the fight in terms of pricing in this region. The demand in this region will also be driven by infrastructural developments that will take place over the forecast period to improve the output for various industries in different countries.
There will be higher growth in the Middle East as investments fall into place to improve their standing in various industries away from petroleum. Plans such as Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Qatar Vision 2030, and Abu Dhabi 2030 will cause developments across multiple industries in the region. There is a focus on improving the manufacturing sector as well as the knowledge-based services to cater to the needs of the region and the rest of the world. Due to the shifting nature of fossil fuels, the region will be ready with multiple other revenue sources by the time comes, though fossil fuels are not going away any time soon.
Africa
Africa is expected to see the largest growth in (Proton Exchange Membrane Market) over the forecast period, as the region prepares to advance across multiple fronts. This growth aligns with the surge of investments targeting key sectors such as agriculture, mining, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, automotive, and healthcare. These investments are poised to stimulate overall regional growth, creating ripple effects across other industries as consumer spending increases, access to products improves, and product offerings expand. This development is supported by both established companies and startups in the region, with assistance from various charitable organizations. Additionally, the presence of a young workforce will address various existing regional challenges. There has been an improvement in political stability, which has attracted and will continue to attract more foreign investments. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are set to facilitate the easier movement of goods and services within the region, further enhancing the economic landscape.
RoW
Latin America and the Oceania region will showcase growth over the forecast period in (Proton Exchange Membrane Market). In Latin America, the focus in the forecast period will be to improve their manufacturing capabilities which is supported by foreign investments in the region. This will be across industries mainly automotive and medical devices. There will also be an increase in mining activities over the forecast period in this region. The area is ripe for industrial automation to enable improvements in manufacturing across different industries and efficiency improvements. This will lead to growth of other industries in the region.
USA – $210 billion is allocated to federal R&D with main focus on health research, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, sustainable textiles, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Investments by private players are mainly focused on technological development including 5G infrastructure and AI in the region.
Europe – EIC is investing €1 billion to innovative companies in sectors like AI, biotechnology, and semiconductors. There is also a focus on developing the ecosystem in the continent as well as improving the infrastructure for developing industries such as electric vehicles and sustainable materials. Private players are targeting data centers, AI, battery plants, and high end technological R&D investments.
Asia – There are investments to tackle a range of scientific and technological advancements in this region mainly coming in from China, India, South Korea, and Japan. This will include artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud computing, pharmaceutical, local manufacturing, and financial technologies. Many countries are aiming to be digital hubs including Saudi Arabia.
Africa – Investments in the region are focused on improving the technological capabilities in the region along with socio-economic development and growth. Private participants of investments in this region is venture capital dominated who are targeting the various growth elements of the region as social stability improves. The major industries are fintech, easier lending, and manufacturing.
Latin America – The focus in the region is for fintech, e-commerce, and mobility sectors. There are also investments in improving manufacturing in the region. Local investments is focused on improving the healthcare, and transportation infrastructure in the region. The region is attracting foreign investments to improve their ability to utilize the natural resources present in the region.
Rest of the World – The investments in this region are focused on clean energy, green metals, and sustainable materials. Funds in Australia are focused on solar energy and battery technologies, along with high end futuristic areas such as quantum computing. The main countries of private investment in ROW will be Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
