A one-dimensional, steady-state multi-layer agglomerate model is presented for the performance analysis of the non-uniform catalyst layer in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The catalyst layer is assumed to be composed of several sub-layers. The effects of different material property combinations for these sub-layers on the whole catalyst layer performance are studied numerically. The results show that the performance of the catalyst layer is highly dependent on the properties of the sub-layer close to the membrane when the catalyst layer is operated in the regime of proton conductivity limiting. The performance of the catalyst layer can be improved by adjusting the material properties of each sub-layer, especially these of the sub-layer close to the membrane. Crown Copyright (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.