TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The central region comprises a second group of particles and a second binder. The first group of particles and the second group of particles are catalyzed with catalyst. The central region and the peripheral region, each provides similar mechanical support to the ionically conductive member, thus minimizing flexing of the membrane. The assembly further comprises an electrically conductive member adjacent to the electrode layer. The electrically conductive member comprises gas diffusion medium. The electrode is formed on the gas diffusion medium. The electrode layer is formed on the major surface of the ionically conductive membrane (4). The peripheral region is thermally conductive. The electrode layer is in the form of a continuous layer, and the peripheral region encompasses the central region. The peripheral region minimizes contact between the electrically conductive member and the membrane. The electrode layer further comprises a sealing region outboard of the peripheral region, where the central, peripheral and sealing regions collectively form the continuous layer and provide continuous, consistent mechanical support to the membrane, thus minimizing flexing of the membrane. The assembly comprises a proton exchange second surface; an anode electrode (6) disposed at the first surface; cathode electrode assembly opposing the anode, and gas diffusion media disposed at the anode and cathode.Preferred Parameter: The first group of particles and the second group of particles, each has a particle size of 15 microns.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The second group of particles is catalyzed carbon particles. The first group of particles is zirconium oxide, zeolites, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, or fumed silica. The first and second binders are the same.Preferred Method: The second casting solution is applied before the first casting solution has dried to a film. The continuous electrode film is removed from the substrate and then pressed to an ionically conductive membrane, thus forming a membrane electrode assembly.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The catalyst is platinum, palladium, titanium, ruthenium, rhodium, tungsten, tin, molybdenum, iridium, osmium or their alloys.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The second group of particles is catalyzed carbon particles. The first group of particles is zirconium oxide, zeolites, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, or fumed silica. The first and second binders are the same.Preferred Method: The second casting solution is applied before the first casting solution has dried to a film. The continuous electrode film is removed from the substrate and then pressed to an ionically conductive membrane, thus forming a membrane electrode assembly.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The gas diffusion medium can be carbon foam. The sealing material is a thermoplastic resin.Preferred Component: The membrane comprises a polymeric ionomer which is the same as the first and second binders.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Material: The gas diffusion medium can also be carbon cloth or carbon paper.