Coating of FeCrAlloy foam cylinders with Rh-based catalysts was performed by the in situ electrosynthesis of Rh/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type precursors on the surface of the support. The structured catalysts, obtained after calcination at 900 degrees C, were characterized and tested in the catalytic partial oxidation of CH4 at an oven temperature of 750 degrees C, by feeding diluted and concentrated CH4/O-2/He gas mixtures. Electrochemical parameters (potential applied, synthesis time and supporting electrolyte) and the composition of the catalyst precursor (Rh/Mg/Al atomic ratio) were changed with the aim to optimize both the properties of the coating and catalytic performances. The sample prepared in absence of KNO3 as the supporting electrolyte at -1.2 V vs saturated calomel electrode for 2000 s yielded the catalyst with the best performances thanks to an improved coating and large amount of Rh in the outer part of the catalytic coating. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.