The invention is a method of making an ion permeable membrane, electrode and current collector assembly comprising the steps of:(a) forming a foundation layer comprising a porous electrically conductive material;(b) at least partially coating a fluoropolymer binder on at least one surface of the conductive foundation layer;(c) applying a particulate and finely divided catalyst material over the fluoropolymer binder on the foundation layer;(d) dispersing a suitable polymeric material over the catalyst material in a manner to obtain penetration of the polymeric material into the porous foundation layer to form a substantially continuous coating on the catalyst material and the at least partially coated foundation layer; and(e) applying sufficient heat and/or pressure to enhance the flow of polymeric material into the foundation layer and around the catalyst material to obtain adherence thereto and to sinter the polymer material into a substantially nonporous layer around the catalyst material.