The gas diffusion layers (GDL) are a fibrous porous media with two primary functions: uniform distribution of reactive gases on the electrode surfaces and electron transfer to and from the external electrical circuit. They are made of thin carbon fibers, a porous and hydrophobic material. The thickness of these fibers is between 250 and 400 μm, and the perforations or pores available are 4 to 50 μm in size. These gas diffusion layers must also serve as a support for the electrolyte, and their structure must allow water to escape, which would prevent the reaction from occurring. Gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a crucial component which is mainly responsible for the gas and water transport in any polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. GDL is made up of two major layers: macroporous substrate (MPS) and microporous layer (MPL). MPS is subsequent to the gas flow field and it generally works by providing gas diffusion through carbon paper or carbon cloth and collecting the current. MPL is commonly used to reduce the contact resistance between the catalyst layer (CL) and the gas diffusion layer (GDL).

Market Dynamics

Carbon-based materials are mostly preferred for the construction of the GDL. Carbon is a favorable material that is capable of providing good electrical conductivity, gas permeability, elasticity and durability for PEM fuel cell components. Carbon paper or carbon cloth is used in the content of MPS of the GDL. Dual pore size distribution can be seen for the carbon cloth due to the voids between the carbon fibers.

The gas diffusion layer market is expected to register stable growth over the forecast period, owing to the use and development of porous metals such as iron and copper among others, in various engineering applications such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells that have increased substantially.

The metal substrates offer structural and functional applications in a wide range of industries such as biomedical applications and energy transportation. The metals substrates offer low density, high permeability in open structures, high energy absorption, and large specific surface area, and thereby linked with good electrical and thermal conductivity, and are corrosion resistant.

Key features of the study:

• This report provides in-depth analysis of global gas diffusion layer market, and provides market size (US$ Million) and compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for the forecast period (2022-2030), considering 2021 as the base year.
• It elucidates potential revenue opportunity across different segments and explains attractive investment proposition matrix for this market.
• This study also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by key players
• It profiles key players in the global gas diffusion layer market based on the following parameters – company overview, financial performance, product portfolio, geographical presence, distribution strategies, key developments and strategies, and future plans
• Key companies covered as a part of this study include AvCarb Llc., Caplinq Corporation, Freudenberg Group, Fuel Cells Etc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mott Corporation, SGL Carbon, Technical Fibre Products, Toray Industries, Inc., and GKD Gebr. Kufferath AG.
• Insights from this report would allow marketers and management authorities of companies to make informed decision regarding future products launches, technology up gradation, market expansion, and marketing tactics
• The global gas diffusion layer market report caters to various stakeholders in this industry including investors, suppliers, extruded aluminum profiles manufacturers, distributors, new entrants, and financial analysts
• Stakeholders would have ease in decision-making through various strategy matrices used in analyzing the global gas diffusion layer market

Detailed Segmentation:

• Global Gas Diffusion Layer Market, By Type:
  • Carbon Paper Type
  • Carbon Cloth Type
  • Other (Metal Substrates)
• Global Gas Diffusion Layer Market, By Application:
  • Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
  • Hydrogen /Oxygen Air Fuel Cells
  • Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
  • Others
• Global Gas Diffusion Layer Market, By Region:
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe        
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • ASEAN
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Middle East
    • Africa    
• Company Profile
  • AvCarb Llc. *
    • Company Overview
    • Product Portfolio
    • Key Strategies
    • Recent Developments
    • Future Plans
  • Caplinq Corporation
  • Freudenberg Group
  • Fuel Cells Etc.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
  • Mott Corporation
  • SGL Carbon
  • Technical Fibre Products
  • Toray Industries, Inc.
  • GKD Gebr. Kufferath AG

 “*” marked represents similar segmentation in other categories in the respective section