Oxidatively stable microlayers of gas diffusion layers

An polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprising:

• an electrolyte membrane having a surface;
• a catalyst layer disposed adjacent the surface of the electrolyte membrane;
• a microlayer disposed adjacent the catalyst layer, opposite the electrolyte membrane, wherein the microlayer comprises carbon particles and a polymeric composition, wherein the polymeric composition comprises first highly-fluorinated polymers that are non-melt processable and second highly-fluorinated polymers that are melt processable;
• and
• an electrically conductive porous substrate comprising carbon fiber upon which is coated the microlayer;
• the microlayer being disposed between the electrically conductive porous substrate and the catalyst layer.