TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The impermeable conductive element and the liquid distribution media are arranged together to define the flow channels (72). The liquid distribution media forms an electrically conductive path between the impermeable conductive element and the fluid distribution layer. It is formed by etching the major surface. It may be formed of materials that are cast, coated, or sprayed onto the major surface. It is cured by application of heat. The liquid distribution media may overlie the entire major surface or is disposed in regions along the major surface defining separate spaced-apart flow channels at each respective region. The liquid distribution media may include an undulated configuration of peaks and valleys. The peaks correspond to lands (74), and the valleys correspond to grooves (76) which constitute the flow channels. The liquid distribution media may comprise a first layer in contact with the impermeable conductive element, and a second layer in contact with the fluid distribution layer. The first layer has a larger average pore size than the second layer so that liquid is transported at a higher rate in the first layer than in the second layer. The second layer is relatively more hydrophilic than the first layer. Alternatively, the liquid distribution media has a first surface in contact with the fluid distribution layer and having an undulating surface that corresponds to the flow fields, and a planar second surface opposite to the first surface and meeting with a surface of impermeable conductive element. The liquid distribution media is electrically conductive. It may be a mesh, screen, or foam. The liquid distribution media internally re-distributes liquid water, minimizing differences in humidity along a face of the MEA. It is more hydrophilic than the fluid distribution layer. The fluid distribution layer is porous and has an average pore size larger than the average pore size of porous liquid distribution media. The electro-conductive element may comprise a second impermeable electrically conductive element having a second surface facing the anode, and a second liquid distribution media attached along regions of second surface. A second fluid distribution layer is disposed between the electro-conductive element and the anode. The second liquid distribution media contacts the second fluid distribution layer. Preferred Properties: The porous liquid distribution media has an average pore size of 0.2-30 microns.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The liquid distribution media is made of carbon or graphite.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The liquid distribution media may be made of stainless steel, chrome, or alloy. The liquid distribution media comprises conductive metal particles, e.g. stainless steel, niobium, and/or inconel. The liquid distribution media is formed by sintering the conductive metal particles by application of heat. The impermeable conductive element comprises aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and/or alloy.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The liquid distribution media is made of carbon or graphite.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The liquid distribution media may be made of polymer. It may comprise conductive polymer or non-conductive polymer, and with conductive particles distributed in the polymer.