A diffusion media is provided for implementation with a PEM fuel cell. The
diffusion media is a permeable sheet that is rigid along a transverse
axis, flexible along a lateral axis and has a substantially
incompressible thickness. The diffusion media is able to be mass produced
in large sheets and rolled along the lateral axis for transport and
storage. The rigidity of the transverse axis is provided by either
inclusion of larger fibers or metallic strips aligned in the transverse
direction and prevents tenting of the diffusion media into flow channels
of the PEM fuel cell. The diffusion media is water and gas permeable and
electrically conductive.