Gas Diffusion Layer Market size was over USD 1 Billion in 2023 and is likely to exceed USD 5 Billion by the end of 2036, growing at over 29% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2024-2036. In the year 2024, the industry size of gas diffusion layer is evaluated at USD 1.55 Billion.
The reason behind the growth is led by the growing demand for energy across the globe, driven mostly by the expanding economies of developing countries as a result of increased industrial activity and advancements in both developed and developing nations.
According to the World Economic Forum, the average annual growth rate of the world's demand for power is predicted to reach 3.4% between this year and 2026.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2023 |
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Forecast Year |
2024-2036 |
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CAGR |
29% |
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Base Year Market Size (2023) |
USD 1 Billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2036) |
USD 5 Billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Application (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells, Hydrogen /Oxygen Air Fuel Cells, Direct Methanol Fuel Cells)
Hydrogen /oxygen air fuel cells segment is predicted to hold gas diffusion layer market share of more than 40% by 2036. The segment growth can be attributed to the rising demand for portable electronics such as mobiles, and laptops. For instance, there will be more than 15 billion mobile devices by 2025, a rise of around 4 billion over 2020 levels.
Hydrogen /oxygen air fuel cells typically known as proton exchange membrane fuel cells are used to power portable electronic equipment, like laptops and cell phones.
Gas diffusion layers, or GDLs, are essential parts of many different kinds of fuel cells, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which primarily transport gases and water, and are responsible for distributing reactant gases to the catalyst surface and for carrying current to the collector plates.
Apart from ensuring the mechanical integrity of the membrane electrode assembly, gas diffusion layers carry out a multitude of crucial functions in the PEM fuel cell's operation, including gas distribution, water transportation, and thermal and electrical conduction since a PEM fuel cell requires uniform diffusion of the gas (hydrogen and air/oxygen) being converted to energy.
Additionally, one element that is essential to the functioning of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is the gas diffusion layer since it is in charge of delivering the reactants to the catalyst layers, and also acts as a conduit for the movement of gas, water, heat, and electrons.
Besides this, in a direct methanol fuel cell, the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a crucial part of the membrane electrode assembly (DMFC), which has significant effects on fuel and water management.
Type (Carbon Paper, Carbon Cloth)
The carbon paper segment in gas diffusion layer market is set to register a notable CAGR shortly. The market for fuel cell gas diffusion layers is dominated by carbon paper due to its superior qualities, which include high conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and high gas permeability, which provides structural support for the electrocatalyst layer along with acting as a current collector.
Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) can be purchased commercially in several formats, including carbon paper, which finds several uses in a fuel cell single cell or stack that is located between the membrane and the graphite plate.
GDLs are made of porous carbon paper that has been coated in a microporous layer to repel water.
Furthermore, the excellent electrical/thermal conductivity and gas permeability of carbon cloth make it the ideal MPS material, which is also widely used for PEMFC and DMFC fuel cell applications.
Our in-depth analysis of the gas diffusion layer market includes the following segments:
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Type |
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Application |
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APAC Market Statistics
Asia Pacific in gas diffusion layer market is anticipated to dominate around 43% revenue share by the end of 2036. The market growth in the region is also expected on account of the increasing greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the Asia-Pacific area emitted more than 15 billion tons of carbon dioxide in total in 2022.
Therefore, the government has implemented several policy measures to encourage the use of hydrogen fuel in the region since many nations are investigating hydrogen as an alternative fuel and a bridge to sustainable development to attain net zero emissions. As a result, fuel cells that rely on gas diffusion layers are becoming more important in the region.
China is one of the Asia-Pacific region's fastest-growing gas diffusion layer market for fuel cell technology followed by South Korea because of the extensive fuel cell commercialization.
Japan has long been at the forefront of fuel cell and green hydrogen technology, leading to a significant adoption of gas diffusion layers.
For instance, the Japanese government updated its Basic Hydrogen Strategy in June 2023 which aims to invest about USD 98 billion over the next 15 years on nine essential technologies, such as fuel cells and water electrolysis devices.
European Market Analysis
The Europe region will also encounter enormous growth for the gas diffusion layer market during the forecast period and will hold the second position owing to the increasing focus on sustainability in this region. The European Union's growth strategy, known as the European Green Deal (EGD), aims to improve natural capital and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, by eliminating pollution, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
This is anticipated to drive the adoption of fuel cells in the region, leading to a higher demand for gas diffusion layers.
For many years, Germany has been developing fuel cells for use as a mobile power source for automobiles, resulting in a higher demand for gas diffusion layers.
Also, the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered home in Europe was constructed by researchers at the University of Sannio, located in Southern Italy to power both residential and commercial structures.
The gas diffusion layer market consists of many key players who are launching various strategic initiatives to expand their market position in the industry.
Author Credits: Dhruv Bhatia
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