The invention relates to cobalt(II) tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (CoTMPP) ionomer stabilization to prevent electrode degradation. More concretely, a membrane/electrode assembly for fuel cell applications includes an ion conducting polymer and a porphyrin-containing compound at least partially dispersed within the ion conducting polymer, a first electrode and a second electrode. At least one of the first and second electrodes also includes the porphyrin-containing compound. The membrane/electrode assembly exhibits improved performance over membrane/electrode assembly not incorporating such porphyrin-containing compounds.