Abstract: A process for manufacturing a catalyst coated membrane is provided by applying at least one electrocatalyst coating composition to an element comprising a polymer membrane having a first and a second surface, and a first dimensionally stable temporary substrate, wherein the coating composition is applied to at least portions of the first surface of the polymer membrane; drying the electrocatalyst coating composition to form at least one first electrode on the polymer membrane of the element; applying a second dimensionally stable temporary substrate to the at least one first electrode; removing the first dimensionally stable temporary substrate from the polymer membrane; applying at least one electrocatalyst coating composition to at least a portion of the second surface of the polymer membrane: and drying the electrocatalyst coating composition on the polymer membrane to form a sandwich comprising the at least one second electrode, the polymer membrane, the at least one first electrode and the second dimensi