a fuel cell membrane and a method of making the same . the membrane includes at least one non - reinforced layer and at least one reinforced layer . both layers include a proton - conductive ionomer , while the reinforced layer additionally includes nanofiber - supported catalyst that improve mechanical and chemical durability of the membrane . the nanofiber - supported catalyst is made up of structural fibers onto which an electrocatalyst is coated , deposited or otherwise formed . the structural nanofibers give increased strength and stiffness to the layers that include them , while the electrocatalyst helps to resist electrochemical degradation to the membranes that include them . such a membrane may form the basis of a fuel cell &# 39 ; s membrane electrode assembly .