The invention is a method for making a fuel cell layer by forming a porous substrate, adding two coatings to the porous substrate, forming distinct channels with walls, forming anodes and cathodes in the walls by depositing catalyst layers, disposing electrolyte in a portion of each channel, disposing a sealant barriers on different sides of the substrate and distinct channels, attaching a positive electrical and a negative electrical connection the porous substrate, attaching a fuel cell positive and negative electrical connection to each independent fuel cells forming a fuel cell layer, and disposing a sealant barrier around at least a portion of the fuel cell layer.