Abstract: A process for producing a coated membrane for an anionic exchange membrane electrode assembly includes mixing a PGM-free catalyst, an ionomer, and an anhydrous solvent forming a solution, coating a non-fluorinated substrate with the solution forming a coated substrate and drying the coated substrate allowing the anhydrous solvent to evaporate forming a dried coated substrate. The dried coated non-fluorinated substrate is applied to a surface of a hydroxyl-free anion-exchange membrane including non-hydroxyl ions forming a membrane substrate assembly that is pressed using a hot-press. The substrate is removed from the pressed membrane substrate assembly forming a coated membrane. The non-hydroxyl ions in the anionic exchange membrane are replaced by hydroxyl ions by soaking the coated membrane in a hydroxyl ion solution.