*1.3.1. Membrane electrode assembly*

"Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA)" is the heart of a fuel cell consisting of polymer membrane electrolyte and two electrodes (anode and cathode) that sandwich the polymer membrane. It has three components fused and compressed together by high pressure and temperature. The industry standard of polymer membrane is Nafion developed in the 1970s by DuPont. Nafion consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chains commonly known as Teflon forming the backbone of the membrane. MEA plays the role of separating electrons and protons from fuel and therefore moves the protons (hydrogen ions) to the cathode side where it recombines with the air to form water and heat. It enhances proton conduction and improves stability in terms of chemical, mechanical, and dimensional alteration[6].
