Composite proton exchange membrane and catalyst-coated composite proton exchange membrane

Composite proton exchange membranes are described. The composite proton-exchange membranes comprise three layers including a proton exchange membrane layer, a continuous nonporous organic-inorganic composite coating layer, and a continuous nonporous cross-linked polyelectrolyte multilayer coating. Catalyst coated membranes incorporating the composite proton exchange membranes and methods of making the composite proton exchange membranes are also described.