Perfluorinated sulphonic acid (PFSA) polymers such as Nafion (R) are widely used for both electrolyte membrane and ionomer in the catalytic layer because of their high proton conductivity (sigma(H)) as well as chemical and thermal stability. When PFSA polymers alternative to Nafion (R) with a different EW are used, it is necessary to optimize the composition of the catalytic ink, considering the different ionomer characteristics. Moreover, fuel cell operating conditions play an important role regarding the catalytic layer optimization. In this work, the influence of ionomer amount in the catalytic layer was evaluated. The electrochemical studies were carried out in a single cell in H-2-O-2 at intermediate temperatures (80 degrees C-130 degrees C) by using a fumapem (R) F-950 membrane as an electrolyte. A hydro-alcoholic dispersion of fumion (R) F was also used as an ionomer in the electrode catalytic structure with an amount ranging from 30 to 60%. Under operating conditions finalised to automotive applications (intermediate temperature, low relative humidity and low pressure of gases) an improvement of performance in terms of maximum power density was obtained by using optimized ionomer content. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.