TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: Each metallized region provides a reduced electrical resistivity through the respective electrically conductive paths compared to a comparative non-metallized layer of porous media. The second surface of the layer contacts an impermeable electrically conductive separator element. It has metallized regions comprising an electrically conductive metal deposited on surfaces of pores (176, 180, 182) of the porous media in the metallized regions. The metallized regions cover the surface of the media layer. The second surface faces an electrically conductive impermeable separator plate (132) that is arranged in contact to form electrically conductive pathway(s). The separator plate has a surface facing the layer, which is patterned with grooves and lands. It has regions of metal oxides formed along contact regions (144) of a separator plate surface. The lands are in contact with the metallized regions of the second surface of the layer. The contact regions correspond to the electrically conductive pathways. The electrode comprises a proton conductive material, catalyst particles, and electrically conductive particles. It is a cathode of the MEA, or an anode of the MEA. Preferred Parameter: A thickness of each metallized region is less than 10 (preferably 5-10) nm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The electrically conductive metal of the metallized regions comprises a noble metal, preferably gold. The metallized regions comprise a compound of the electrically conductive metal. They comprise ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, iridium, platinum, osmium, titanium, chromium, tin, and/or gold. The media comprises carbon.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The electrically conductive metal of the metallized regions comprises a noble metal, preferably gold. The metallized regions comprise a compound of the electrically conductive metal. They comprise ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, iridium, platinum, osmium, titanium, chromium, tin, and/or gold. The media comprises carbon.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The porous media can be foam.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Material: The porous media is paper, woven cloth, non-woven cloth, or fiber.