The effect of preparative parameters on the characteristic of PVDF-based microporous layers (MPL) for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell was investigated. Physical properties of MPL involving electrical resistance, gas permeability and microstructure were examined. The results show that the characteristics of MPL were affected by preparative parameters, Such as PVDF concentration, type of electrically conductive filler and its loading, PVDF/electrically conductive filter ratio, as well as type of PVDF solvent. The PEM fuel cell performance test demonstrates that the obtained MPL has a great potential and interest for further study and development. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.