The presently disclosed subject matter relates to devices, systems, and methods of producing an improved fluid flow assembly and liquid/gas diffusion layer in solid polymer electrolyte electrochemical cells. In one aspect, a fluid flow assembly for a polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer includes a flow field having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of discrete lands arranged within the flow field. A liquid/gas diffusion layer is positioned in communication with the flow field between the inlet and the outlet, the liquid/gas diffusion layer having a solid substrate through which a plurality of pores is formed. The disclosed bipolar plate flow field and liquid/gas diffusion layer could work together or separately with other types of porous transport layers or bipolar plates to enhance the water/gas transport. In these configurations, the lands can be arranged and configured such that the plurality of pores are substantially unobstructed by the lands.