A protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) is a fuel cell based on a ceramic electrolyte material that exhibits high protonic conductivity at elevated temperatures.
PCFCs share the thermal and kinetic advantages of high temperature operation at 700 degrees Celsius with molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells, while exhibiting all of the intrinsic benefits of proton conduction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC). The high operating temperature is necessary to achieve very high electrical fuel efficiency with hydrocarbon fuels. PCFCs can operate at high temperatures and electrochemically oxidize fossil fuels directly to the anode. This eliminates the intermediate step of producing hydrogen through the costly reforming process. Gaseous molecules of the hydrocarbon fuel are absorbed on the surface of the anode in the presence of water vapor, and hydrogen atoms are efficiently stripped off to be absorbed into the electrolyte, with carbon dioxide as the primary reaction product. PCFCs have a solid electrolyte, so that the membrane cannot dry out as with PEM fuel cells, and liquid cannot leak out as with PAFCs.
Among the major fuel cells types, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) account for nearly 60% market share. Following Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), both Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) account for more than 14% market share.
Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells (PCMC) are similar to SOFCs in many ways. The major difference is that hydrogen moves through the ceramic electrolyte rather than oxygen. These fuel cells are much like a hybrid between a SOFC and a PEMFC. The major benefit of PCFCs is their ability to utilize a wide variety of fuel sources. Coal, wood, hydrocarbons, and even non-fossilized organic matter can all be used as fuel.
Now, Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells (PCMC) technology are still under development as it is not mass produced. The Colorado School of Mines (Mines) and The Research Council of Norway are the main research institutes of Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells (PCMC).

Market Analysis and Insights: Global Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) Market
The global Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) market was valued at US$ 1865.5 in 2020 and will reach US$ 13110 million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 38.4% during 2022-2027.

Global Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) Scope and Market Size
The global Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) market is segmented by company, region (country), by Type, and by Application. Players, stakeholders, and other participants in the global Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) market will be able to gain the upper hand as they use the report as a powerful resource. The segmental analysis focuses on sales, revenue and forecast by region (country), by Type and by Application for the period 2016-2027.

Segment by Type
PEMFC
DMFC
PAFC
SOFC
MCFC
AFC

Segment by Application
Portable
Stationary
Transport

The Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) market is analysed and market size information is provided by regions (countries). Segment by Application, the Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) market is segmented into North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Other Regions.

By Company
Ballard
Toshiba
PLUG Power
FuelCell Energy
Hydrogenics
Doosan Fuel Cell
Horizon
Intelligent Energy
Hyster-Yale Group
Nedstack
Pearl Hydrogen
Sunrise Power