Patent ID: 7851100

Claim:
An MEA-gasket assembly comprising: an MEA having a polymer electrolyte membrane, a catalyst layer and a gas diffusing layer; a plate-shaped frame which is joined to a portion of said polymer electrolyte membrane so as to enclose said MEA, said portion being located in a peripheral region of said MEA, and which has a plurality of fluid manifold holes; an annular gasket formed of an elastic body formed on both faces of said frame wherein the frame is comprised a material different than that of the annular gasket; wherein an annular gap formed between an inner peripheral edge of said annular gasket and an outer peripheral edge of said gas diffusing layer is at least partially closed, and an annular member formed of an elastic body disposed between said annular gasket and said gas diffusing layer; wherein the outer peripheral edge of said annular member is partially in contact with the inner peripheral edge of said annular gasket and the inner peripheral edge of said annular member is partially in contact with the outer peripheral edge of said gas diffusing layer such that said annular gap is at least partially closed.