NOVELTY - Membrane electrode comprises a pretreated solid electrolyte membrane with catalyst layers applied on both surfaces. Support substrates are positioned on the membrane surfaces after the catalyst layers have been applied.    USE - Used in the fabrication of direct feed fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE - The fuel cell is manufactured efficiently with improved performance at lower cost. The fuel cell has improved catalyst utilisation and an enhanced catalyst layer membrane interface.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Membrane electrode assembly for fabricating direct feed fuel cells comprises:    (a) a pretreated solid electrolyte membrane having a first membrane surface and a second membrane surface which is positioned on a back side of the first membrane surface;    (b) a first catalyst layer directly applied on the first membrane surface;    (c) a second catalyst layer directly applied on the second membrane surface;    (d) an anode formed on the first membrane surface that comprises the first catalyst layer and a first support substrate; and    (e) a cathode formed on the second membrane surface, that comprises the second catalyst layer and a second support substrate.    The first support substrate is positioned on the first membrane surface only after the first catalyst layer has been applied. The second support substrate is positioned on the second membrane surface only after application of the second catalyst layer.    INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (A) alternative side spraying catalyst onto a membrane by:    (i) placing a catalyst ink in a spraying device,    (ii) positioning a first surface of a membrane a fixed distance from the spraying device,    (iii) positioning a drying device at a fixed distance from the membrane,    (iv) drying the catalyst ink on the first surface of the membrane with the drying device,    (v) positioning a second (back) surface of the membrane a fixed distance from the spraying device,    (vi) spraying the catalyst ink onto the second surface of the membrane, and    (vii) drying the catalyst ink on the second surface of the membrane with the drying device;    (B) a sprayer comprising:    (i) a material reservoir chamber for storing catalyst materials prior to dispensing,    (ii) a venturi feed tube that is set inside the material reservoir chamber with one end of the feed tube perpendicular to the bottom of the reservoir and in contact with the catalyst materials,    (iii) an air supply connected to one side of the venturi feed tube by a first conduit,    (iv) a misting sphere (providing a means for atomisation of the catalyst materials and a means for flow rate control during spraying) connected to the other side of the venturi feed tube by a second conduit, and    (v) an exit stem tube (tuned to produce a fine mist) coupled to the material reservoir chamber; and    (C) forming a membrane electrode assembly by:    (i) applying a first catalyst ink directly onto a first surface of a solid electrolyte membrane,    (ii) applying a second catalyst ink directly onto a second surface of the membrane,    (iii) placing a first support substrate on the first surface of the membrane,    (iv) placing a second support substrate on the second surface of the membrane, and    (v) bonding the first support substrate, the membrane and the second substrate to form a membrane electrode assembly.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows application of the catalyst ink by pouring.    Pretreated membrane (210)    Frame (230)    Catalyst coating (240)    Area to be coated (250)    Glass rod (260)