A novel rolling method for the preparation of the water management layer (WML) of a PEMFC was developed. In this method, the WML was prepared without dependence on the carbon paper substrate. The obtained WML was in a filmed state. The thickness, PTFE content and sintering condition of the rolled WML film were investigated. The MEA with the WML film exhibited a more stable performance than the MEA without the WML during a long running period. The water management ability of the WML film was confirmed. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.