Edge-protected catalyst-coated diffusion media and membrane electrode assemblies

A fuel cell comprising:

• an ionically conductive membrane;
• an anode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium and a cathode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium that sandwich said ionically conductive membrane;
• and
• a sealing material disposed between said ionically conductive membrane and said anode-side and cathode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium;
• wherein said sealing material is formed of a material that is softer than said ionically conductive membrane such that said sealing material deforms and imbibes into a plurality of pores located in said catalyst coated diffusion media.

A method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly comprising:

• providing an ionically conductive member;
• disposing an electrode at a surface of the ionically conductive member;
• and
• selecting a sealing material to be disposed between said electrode and said ionically conductive member based on a permeability of said sealing material compared to a permeability of said ionically conductive member;
• wherein said permeability of said sealing material is less than said permeability of said ionically conductive member.