Treated porous flow field members are used to support membranes in
electrochemical cells and to enhance fluid flow to and from the membrane.
The treated porous includes a support material having at least a portion
thereof treated with a quantity of hydrophobic polymer, a quantity of
hydrophilic polymer, or a quantity of a mixture of a hydrophobic polymer
and a hydrophilic polymer. Depending on the type of treatment and the
placement of the polymer-treated porous support, various fluid flow
enhancements are attained.