w The influence of annealing of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) on the cell performance was investigated. The annealing was conducted at various temperatures of 110, 130, 150 and 200 degrees C. Annealing at 130 degrees C could produce highest proton conductivity of the recast Nation binder and electrochemical active surface area of the electrode, leading to the highest cell performance. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.