Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with a first structural film layer disposed at its periphery, a second structural film layer adhered to the first structural film layer by an adhesive, at least one of the first and second structural film layers also being adhered to one of an anode and cathode by the adhesive, the MEA and the first and second structural film layers being sandwiched by a pair of gas diffusion layers, characterized in that the first structural film layer has a plurality of vias therein; and the second structural film layer has a plurality of vias therein which are in non-overlapping relation to the vias in the first structural film layer.

Abstract: A catalyst coated membrane assembly comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an electrode that covers substantially one entire face of said solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a structural film layer attached to at least two opposing outer regions of said electrode such that it partially overlaps the open face of said electrode. The use of structural film layer allows for high volume, high yield manufacturing of assemblies, leading to reduced assembly cost.