Fuel Cell Metallic Gas Diffusion Layer

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane layer (EML), and includes a first electrode catalyst layer (ECL) and a first metallic gas diffusion layer (MGDL) positioned to a first side of the EML such that the first ECL is positioned between the first MGDL and the EML. The first MGDL includes a metal-containing layer and a coating of porous material disposed on a surface of the metal-containing layer of the first MGDL that faces the first ECL. The apparatus further includes a second ECL and a second MGDL positioned to the second side of the EML such that the second ECL is positioned between the second MGDL and the EML. The second MGDL includes a metal-containing layer and a coating of porous material disposed on a surface of the metal-containing layer of the second MGDL that faces the second ECL.