A comparative investigation was performed on PEM fuel cells made with conventional hot-pressed MEAs and catalyst-coated membranes (CCM) under identical conditions of Pt electrolcatalyst loadings. The results showed that cells with a CCM exhibit significantly higher electrochemical performance and power density than those prepared with conventional hot-pressed MEAs. Cyclic voltammetric and impedance studies showed that the MEAs prepared by the CCM method have a higher electrochemical surface area, low cell ohmic resistance and low charge transfer resistance as compared to those prepared with hot-pressed MEAs and the same Pt loading. The results demonstrate that a CCM can enhance the utilization efficiency and improve the catalyst layer and membrane interface of PEM fuel cells. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.