Fuel cell module with framed bipolar plate

Fuel cell module (1) comprises a bipolar plate (2) and a membrane-electrode unit (3). The bipolar plate has a peripheral frame (5) made from an electrically non-conducting material and an electrically conducting inner bipolar plate region (6) enclosing the frame and having channels (8) for gases and optionally coolant. The membrane-electrode unit comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane is fixed to the frame of the bipolar plate by a welding seam or by an overlapping elastomer seal. An Independent claim is also included for a process for the production of fuel cell module.