The present invention relates to an ionic layer with oxygen evolution reaction catalyst for electrode protection, in particular to a fuel cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode with an ion conducting polymer membrane positioned between these electrodes. The fuel cell further comprises a first OER catalyst-containing ionic layer positioned between the first electrode and the ion conducting polymer membrane. The first OER catalyst-containing layer includes an OER catalyst-containing compound, an ion conducting polymer and carbon. Characteristically, the weight ratio of ion conducting polymer to carbon is from about 10 to about 100. A method for forming the fuel cell is also provided.