SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING IRON FROM INFUSING INTO A PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE IN A FUEL CELL

A system for minimizing iron infusion in a fuel cell includes a catalyst coated on proton exchange membrane (CCM) having a plurality of side edge portions. The CCM includes a membrane having a first planar side and a second planar side, an anode on the first planar side of the membrane, and a cathode on the second planar side of the membrane. The system further includes an anode gas diffusion layer (GDL) including a first micro-porous layer. The first micro-porous layer is in contact with the anode. The system further includes a cathode GDL including a second micro-porous layer. The second micro-porous layer is in contact with the cathode. The system further includes an adhesive in contact with the plurality of side edge portions of the CCM. The first micro-porous layer, the second micro-porous layer, and the adhesive collectively encapsulate the CCM and minimize iron infusing into the membrane.