A fuel cell is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane; an
electrode positioned in ion exchanging relation relative to the ion
exchange membrane; a gas diffusion layer borne by the electrode and
having an outwardly facing surface; a porous metal coating comprising one
or more elements selected from the periodic table of elements and which
has an atomic number of less than 75, and which is positioned at least in
partial covering relation relative to the outwardly facing surface of the
gas diffusion layer; and a current collector forcibly disposed in ohmic
electrical contact with the porous metal coating.