Method for manufacturing a membrane electrode unit for fuel cells

Production of a membrane electrode unit comprises applying catalyst layers after each other on a polymer electrolyte membrane so that during application, each opposite side of the membrane is supported. Production of a membrane electrode unit comprises forming a solid composite on a first side with a first catalyst layer and a first hydrophobic gas distribution layer and on a second side with a second catalyst layer and a second hydrophobic gas distribution layer. Inks containing an electrocatalyst, one or more solvents, a proton-conducting ionomer and optionally a hydrophobing agent and pore formers are used in the production of the catalyst layers. Both catalyst layers are applied after each other on the polymer electrolyte membrane or contacted with it so that during application or contacting, each opposite side of the membrane is supported. Preferred Features: The polymer electrolyte membrane is produced by forming a composite made of a first catalyst layer and a first hydrophobic gas distribution layer with the first side of the membrane, removing the carrier film, and forming a composite of a second catalyst layer and a second gas distribution layer with the second side of the membrane.