Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the formation of a coating of metal oxides comprising at least one precious metal from Group VIII of the Periodic Table of the elements, optionally in combination with titanium and/or zirconium, on an electrically conductive substrate made of steel or of iron, which consists in applying a sole solution of acetylacetonate(s) of the said metal(s) dissolved in a (plurality of) solvent(s) which specifically dissolve(s) each metal acetylacetonate; and in then drying and calcining the coated substrate. The invention also relates to an activated cathode obtained from the electrically conductive substrate coated with metal oxides and to its use in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of alkali metal chlorides.