Direct oxidation fuel cells with improved cathode gas diffusion media for low air stoichiometry operation

A cathode electrode for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC), the cathode comprising:

• a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion medium (GDM);
• wherein the GDM comprises a microporous layer (MPL) and a backing layer;
• wherein the MPL has a thickness of about 10 μm to about 50 μm, an average pore size between 10 nm and 500 nm, and comprises a fluoropolymer and an electrically conductive material, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises carbon particles or carbon nanofibers, wherein loading of the fluoropolymer is in the range of about 30 wt. % to 40 wt. %, and loading of the carbon particles or carbon nanofibers is about 0.5 mg/cm2 to about 5 mg/cm2;
• wherein the backing layer has a porosity greater than about 70%, and comprises carbon paper, woven paper, or non-woven cloth, and includes loading of a fluoropolymer from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %;
• and
• wherein the catalyst layer, the MPL, and the backing layer are arranged in direct overlying sequence in the recited order.