A diffusion membrane contains uncalcined polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
calcined PTFE and a conductive substance. An electrode has the diffusion
layer (membrane) and a catalyst layer disposed thereon. A process for
producing diffusion membranes comprises dispersing uncalcined PTFE,
calcined PTFE and a conductive substance in a dispersion medium, removing
the dispersion medium, adding a liquid lubricant followed by kneading,
compressing the resultant kneaded product (preferably a rod-shaped
preform) to expand the same into a membrane, and removing the liquid
lubricant. The diffusion membrane preferably contains 1 to 30 wt % of the
uncalcined PTFE and 5 to 30 wt % of the calcined PTFE. The conductive
substance is desirably a combination of graphite and carbon black. The
diffusion membrane is free from local variation in properties, has
suitable mass producibility and can be produced inexpensively.