Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes end plate units each having a metal plate, a dielectric plate, and a perimeter groove defined by the dielectric plate and an edge of the metal plate. The stack also includes a gas inlet and a coolant inlet configured to receive a reactant gas and coolant into the fuel cell stack, respectively, fuel cells having a pair of bipolar plates, and a multi-layer seal disposed within the fuel cell stack on the end plate units or the bipolar plates. The multi-layer seal includes a first layer constructed of a first material that is substantially impermeable to the reactant gas, and a second layer constructed of a second material that is more resistant to corrosion than is the first material.