The global ion exchange membrane market was USD 935.9 million in 2020 and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% over the forecast period. Ion exchange membranes are semipermeable membranes that have an ionic capability built into the backbone of the membranes. The ionic species enable the concentration, separation, or exclusion of ionic species from a fluid flow. Cationic and anionic exchange membranes are the two types of ion exchange membranes. The base year considered for the study is 2019, and the forecast has been provided for the period from 2021 to 2030.
To better understand the worldwide development and demand patterns of this market, it has been split into main regions. The Ion Exchange Membrane Market is split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and South America. Some of the most important markets in North America and Europe are also typical chemical suppliers, such as specialty chemicals, bulk chemicals, and so on. The headquarters of the leading players in this market are located in North America and Europe. This region has seen a number of shifts in terms of chemical manufacturing and application by end-use industries. In these places, the demand for bio-based feedstock has aided in the development of green alternatives. During the projected period, the Ion Exchange Membrane Market in Asia Pacific and the Middle East is expected to increase significantly. This demand stems from the expansion of major end-use industries like marine, oil & gas, industrial, construction & infrastructure, energy & power, and automotive & transportation.
Ion exchange membrane market research thoroughly analyses other well-known firms, providing important information on their production capabilities. It also shows the specifics of the front-line participants on the Ion exchange membrane market, as well as the exclusive product portfolios of local and worldwide players. Market supplier analysis is intended to assist clients in improving their market position, and this report provides a detailed analysis of their market position with an emphasis on strategies.
Market dynamics as well as potential for market growth in next few years. The impact of game-changing technical breakthroughs on the industry is examined. Explanation of the relevant political, regulatory, and technical factors. Analysis of market entrance barriers around the world. Market share data and profiles of top firms active in the area. Along with the opportunities offered and the major challenges that must be overcome. Over the last five years, there has been a competitive climate encompassing market share of significant companies, as well as new ventures and strategies adopted by players.
To better understand the worldwide development and demand patterns of this market, it has been split into main regions. The Ion Exchange Membrane Market is split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and South America. Some of the most important markets in North America and Europe are also typical chemical suppliers, such as specialty chemicals, bulk chemicals, and so on. The headquarters of the leading players in this market are located in North America and Europe. This region has seen a number of shifts in terms of chemical manufacturing and application by end-use industries. In these places, the demand for bio-based feedstock has aided in the development of green alternatives. During the projected period, the Ion Exchange Membrane Market in Asia Pacific and the Middle East is expected to increase significantly. This demand stems from the expansion of major end-use industries like marine, oil & gas, industrial, construction & infrastructure, energy & power, and automotive & transportation.
Ion exchange membrane market research thoroughly analyses other well-known firms, providing important information on their production capabilities. It also shows the specifics of the front-line participants on the Ion exchange membrane market, as well as the exclusive product portfolios of local and worldwide players. Market supplier analysis is intended to assist clients in improving their market position, and this report provides a detailed analysis of their market position with an emphasis on strategies.
Why should you buy the report:
- One-of-a-kind ion exchange membrane market representation that covers all available features in terms of quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Highlights prospects that have a lot of potential.
- Information on lateral areas and factors that influence ion exchange membrane market importance.
- Foundation for developing relevant ion exchange membrane market strategies to strengthen market position
- Importance of ion exchange membrane market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and problems
- The competitive nature of the ion exchange membrane market, as evidenced by recent advancements and the presence of the most dynamic players.
- Detailed Segmentation to help each stakeholder in market
- 2500+ data points in 60+ tables with focus on historic demand, estimated demand, and demand forecast
- Impact of COVID-19 on demand estimation & forecasts (2020 onward)
- Separate analysis of each segment to understand market deviation due to Covid-19 from 2020 onwards
- Coverage across 5 major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America
- Country level demand of the 25+ major markets with key trends & factors influencing the same
Market report provides:
Market dynamics as well as potential for market growth in next few years. The impact of game-changing technical breakthroughs on the industry is examined. Explanation of the relevant political, regulatory, and technical factors. Analysis of market entrance barriers around the world. Market share data and profiles of top firms active in the area. Along with the opportunities offered and the major challenges that must be overcome. Over the last five years, there has been a competitive climate encompassing market share of significant companies, as well as new ventures and strategies adopted by players.
Table of Contents
1 Market Abstract
2 Market Introduction
3. Research Practice
4 Key Related Data
5 Impact Factor Analysis
6 Market Development Analysis
7 Ion Exchange Membrane Market, by Charge
8 Ion Exchange Membrane Market, by Material
9 Ion Exchange Membrane Market, by Structure
10 Ion Exchange Membrane Market, by Application
11 Ion Exchange Membrane Market, Regional Analysis
12 Company Profile
13 Additional Customization
14 Appendix
List of Tables
List of Figures
Executive Summary
The global ion exchange membrane market accounted for USD 935.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 1,162.9 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 2.8% in the COVID-19 period. However, without the COVID-19 impact, the global ion exchange membrane market was estimated to be USD 999.9 million in 2020 and USD 1,457.6 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 4.8%.Ion exchange membranes are semipermeable membranes that have an ionic capability built into the backbone of the membranes. The ionic species enable the concentration, separation, or exclusion of ionic species from a fluid flow. Cationic and anionic exchange membranes are the two types of ion exchange membranes.
Ion exchange membranes (IEMs) are the only membranes that combine the electrochemical properties of ion exchange resins with membrane permeability. They are commonly used in the treatment of industrial effluents, as well as in the desalination of seawater and brackish water. Membrane capacitive de-ionization (MCDI) is a new, energy-efficient brackish water desalination technology in which ion-exchange membranes serve as selective gates, allowing counter-ions to flow towards the carbon electrodes. IEMs are used for mass separation, chemical synthesis, energy transfer, and storage processes. Reverse electrodialysis and alkaline fuel cells are two of the most well-known applications of the IEMs.
During water electrolysis, these membranes provide excellent separation of hydrogen and oxygen gases over a wide range of pressures and temperatures. Electricity and water are used to produce hydrogen and oxygen in this process, which is basically a fuel cell in reverse.
The method of producing hydrogen has gained more attention, as the demand for renewable energy has grown. Although there are many methods for producing hydrogen, using an ion exchange membrane in an electrochemical cell is an environmental-friendly way to produce significant quantities of hydrogen without producing carbon dioxide. This application contributes to the environmental advantages of generating power from renewable sources.
Hydrogen fuel cells minimize greenhouse gas emissions in a variety of applications due to their high performance and zero emissions. Hydrogen generates only water, electricity, and heat when used in a fuel cell. The energy generated can be used to power vehicles, remote facilities, and industrial complexes.
Fuel cells use ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) to power a safer and cleaner environment. Fuel cells are electrochemical cells that use an electrochemical reaction to transform chemical energy from a fuel, usually hydrogen and oxygen, into electricity. They are important enablers for providing green energy at any scale and complement green energy efforts.
Chlorine and caustic soda are produced using ion-exchange membranes (IEMs). Chlorine (Cl2) and caustic sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are two of the world's most widely used commodity chemicals. Modern methods use a cation exchange membrane between half-cells to generate Cl2 and NaOH from brine electrolysis, which enables chlorine and sodium hydroxide production to overcome the safety issues related to older technologies.
Purification and separation are two applications where ion exchange membranes are extensively used. Membrane technology has a number of advantages, including high energy efficiency, low maintenance costs, and eco friendliness. Concerns about clean water for drinking and sanitation have grown in recent years around the world, which could increase the demand for ion exchange membranes used to remove impurities from contaminated water.
Electrodialysis (ED) is a membrane process that is operated by a DC voltage. Salts are moved through a membrane by an electrical potential, leaving freshwater behind as a product. Electrodialysis (ED) is used for applications, such as drinking water production, ground water nitrate removal, wastewater concentration, and food processing (whey, wine, and sugar).
The global ion exchange membrane market report has been segmented as charge, material, structure, application, and region.
Based on charge, the market is segmented into cation exchange membrane, anion exchange membrane, bipolar exchange membrane, amphoteric exchange membrane, and mosaic exchange membrane. The cation exchange membrane segment is accounted to have the largest share in the global ion exchange membrane market during the forecast period. It accounted for USD 335.4 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 434.7 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 3.3% in the COVID-19 period. However, without the COVID-19 impact, the cation exchange membrane segment was estimated to be USD 358.3 million in 2020 and USD 544.9 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.
Cation exchange membranes are proton-conductive polymer films, also known as electrolytes or ionomers, which enable only protons to cross over (cation exchange). Fuel cells and water electrolyzes are two applications where proton exchange membranes are used. In a variety of electrochemical cells that enable the membrane to selectively transport cations across the cell junction, cation exchange membranes serve as a separator and solid electrolyte. Cation exchange membranes have long been used as a separator in MFCs (Microbial fuel cells). These membranes have been widely used, as they are the industry standard for electrochemical reactions, such as those found in the production of chlorine and caustic soda. These factors are driving the cation exchange membrane market growth.
Based on material, the market is segmented into hydrocarbon membrane, perflurocarbon membrane, inorganic membrane, composite membrane, and partially halogenated membrane. The hydrocarbon membrane segment is accounted to have the largest share in the global ion exchange membrane market during the forecast period. It accounted for USD 288.8 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 371.8 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 3.2% in the COVID-19 period. However, without the COVID-19 impact, the hydrocarbon membrane segment was estimated to be USD 308.5 million in 2020 and USD 466.1 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 5.3%, during the forecast period.
The hydrocarbon membrane improves fuel cell performance at low relative humidity (RH) and high temperatures, increases the efficiency of hydrocarbon-based PEM materials by using an alternative electrolyte inside the catalyst structures, and improves the overall PEM fuel cell efficiency. Therefore, the hydrocarbon membrane segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.
The market for hydrocarbon ion exchange membranes is being driven by the rising demand from the wastewater treatment and healthcare sectors. The market is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for hydrocarbon ion exchange membranes from various industries and the need for selective separation to preserve water quality standards. However, rising health concerns about non-ionized organic contamination are expected to stifle global market development. On the other hand, an increase in wastewater treatment projects in emerging economies is expected to generate favorable market growth opportunities over the forecast period.
Based on structure, the market is segmented into heterogeneous membrane and homogeneous membrane. The homogeneous membrane segment is accounted to have the largest share in the global ion exchange membrane market during the forecast period. It accounted for USD 735.0 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 892.9 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 2.5% in the COVID-19 period. However, without the COVID-19 impact, the homogeneous membrane segment was estimated to be USD 785.2 million in 2020 and USD 1,119.2 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.
Homogeneous membranes show excellent electrochemical properties with lower mechanical characteristics. Most exchange membranes are produced as homogenous membranes. A non-ferrous metal plant's high COD and high sulphate concentrated water is separated using a homogeneous membrane electrodialysis system. Low energy consumption, high concentration ratio, solid ion selective permeability, and efficient removal of organic matter are the advantages of homogeneous membrane electrodialysis. Furthermore, homogeneous membranes offer strong ion permeability, low water loss rate, stable physicochemical properties, and effective separation of organic matter. This is further fueling the growth of homogeneous membranes.
Based on application, the market is segmented into alkaline fuel cells, alkaline (water) electrolysis, reverse electrodialysis, redox flow batteries, chromatographic separation, and other (water treatment, desalination). The alkaline (water) electrolysis segment is accounted to have the largest share in the global ion exchange membrane market during the forecast period. It accounted for USD 257.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 326.6 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 3.0% in the COVID-19 period. However, without the COVID-19 impact, the alkaline (water) electrolysis segment was estimated to be USD 275.5 million in 2020 and USD 409.3 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.
Alkaline water electrolyzes are developed and manufactured for a variety of applications. These applications include: electric power generator cooling in power plants, semiconductor industry, flat panel computers and television screen producing units, and glass plants and metallurgical industries. Food processing, laboratory applications, heat treatments, meteorology, and welding industries are among the other applications of alkaline water electrolyzes. Hydrogen as an energy carrier is paving the way for new applications like smart grid management for greater energy flexibility, clean energy chemical storage, and hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles.
Hydrogen is produced using alkaline (water) electrolysis. The popularity of hydrogen is due to the rise in energy prices caused by the speculation about the future availability of oil reserves, as well as concerns about global warming and climate change.
Hence, despite the high cost of hydrogen than most fossil fuels, its unique set of characteristics is finding new applications in many industries. For example, hydrogen-fuelled forklifts are being used in enclosed spaces, various types of fuel cells (FCs) are used in power generation, and major cities have also implemented hydrogen-fuelled buses, while fuel cells for electronic devices and mobile phones are close to commercialization.
Based on region, the market has been segmented as North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global ion exchange membrane market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific ion exchange membrane market accounted for USD 397.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 522.8 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 3.5% in the COVID-19 period. However, without the COVID-19 impact, the Asia Pacific region was estimated to be USD 425.1 million in 2020 and USD 655.3 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.
The Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest share of the ion exchange membrane market, owing to the rising demand from countries such as India and China. One of the key reasons for the high demand for ion exchange membranes in Asia Pacific is public water treatment policies in emerging economies like China, India, and Indonesia.
Economic growth and rapid urbanization in China are expected to increase the demand for ion exchange membranes, as well as the demand for affordable water treatment systems. Water conservation and reuse are becoming increasingly important in highly populated economies such as China and India. Therefore, Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the ion exchange membrane market throughout the forecast period.
Companies Mentioned
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
- 3M
- AGC Inc.
- Dioxide Materials
- Dupont De Nemours Inc.
- Resintech Inc.
- Membranes International Inc.
- Liaoning Yichen Membrane Technology Co. Ltd.
- Lanxess
- Merck Kgaa
- Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
- Astom Corporation
- Solvay
- Evergreen Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
- Suez
- Hyflux Ltd.
- Ion Exchange India Limited
- Saltworks Technologies Inc.
- Ionomr Innovations Inc.
- Mega A.S.
