This study describes a performance review of several membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). First, different methods for preparing catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) and gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) are presented to show that the power density of the CCMs method is approximately 18% better than that obtained by using GDEs. Second, different thickness membranes and a self-fabricated membrane are discussed. The self-fabricated membrane used a PTFE microporous membrane as a backing structure and was impregnated with Nafion for reinforcement. Third, we compared the performance differences of four different amounts of platinum loaded in Nation-bonded CCMs to prove that more platinum loading can produce better performance linearly at a platinum loading from 0.1 to 0.4 mg cm(-2). Fourth, a water storage zone was created on the surface of the GDL. The voltage time curve shows that the voltage is maintained at 0.650 V +/- 0.015 V over more than 300 h while supplying with dry hydrogen and oxygen. Fifth, a matched 250 mu m silicon gasket was used to test the performance of a standard MEA with different torques of 5-30 Kgf cm, and the performance differences are within 10%. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.