As long as the perfluorinated proton exchange membrane (PEM) is used for the electrolyte, both the cell performance and life are highly dependent upon the water content in the electrolyte. On the other hand, pre-humidification of fuel and oxidant gases complicates the PEMFC system and prevents it from possible cost reduction measures. In this study, in order to maintain a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with a satisfactory water content by only the water produced in catalyst layer through the electrode reaction without prior humidification of both the fuel and oxidant gases, a novel gas diffusion layer (GDL) was fabricated. This was achieved by coating a water management layer (WML) onto a traditional GDL in order to place the WML between the traditional GDL and the catalyst layer of the PEMFC. This study describes the significant balance of water with WML in the fuel cell using both simulation and experimental analysis. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.