Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an anode; a cathode; a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and an extended catalyzed layer between the membrane and at least one electrode of the anode and the cathode. The extended catalyzed layer includes catalyst particles embedded in membrane material and preferably includes a first plurality of particles which are electrically connected to the at least one electrode. The extended catalyzed layer may further preferably have a second plurality of particles which are electrically disconnected from the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an anode including a hydrogen oxidation catalyst; a cathode; a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and a peroxide decomposition catalyst positioned in at least one position selected from the group consisting of the anode, the cathode, a layer between the anode and the membrane and a layer between the cathode and the membrane wherein the peroxide decomposition catalyst has selectivity when exposed to hydrogen peroxide toward reactions which form benign products from the hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide decomposition catalyst can also be positioned within the membrane. Also disclosed is a power-generating fuel cell system including such a membrane electrode assembly, and a process for operating such a fuel cell system.