NOVELTY - The gas diffusion electrode comprises a gas diffusion layer with a surface to which a platinum nanowires are applied, and forming a weakly hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic surface or weakly hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic regions on the surface. The surface is treated by an active screen plasma, and has 50-100% weakly hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic surface area. The gas diffusion layer has a water contact angle of less than 130 degrees , and comprises carbon cloth or carbon paper and a porous layer. The platinum nanowires have a length of 50-500 nm and diameter of 1-10 nm.    USE - The gas diffusion electrode is useful in a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell such as a direct methanol fuel cell and a polymer electrode membrane fuel cell (all claimed), which is useful for stationary and portable power applications in electric vehicles, buildings and other portable power generators.    ADVANTAGE - The gas diffusion electrode enhances the durability and performance of the fuel cell, and has reliable catalytic activity.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The gas diffusion electrode comprises a gas diffusion layer with a surface to which a platinum nanowires are applied, and forming a weakly hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic surface or weakly hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic regions on the surface. The surface is treated by an active screen plasma, and has 50-100% weakly hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic surface area. The gas diffusion layer has a water contact angle of less than 130 degrees , and comprises carbon cloth or carbon paper and a porous layer. The platinum nanowires: cover 75-99% of hydrophilic/weakly hydrophobic surface or hydrophilic/weakly hydrophobic regions on the surface; are uniformly distributed on the surface of the hydrophilic/weakly hydrophobic surface or hydrophilic/weakly hydrophobic regions on the surface; have a length of 50-500 nm and diameter of 1-10 nm; and form a catalyst layer having a thickness of 50 nm to 1 mu m. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a process for making a gas diffusion electrode.