In this paper, ZnCo2O4 was deposited on nickel substrate by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method as electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction. The effect of electrophoresis variables including the deposition time, the applied voltages was discussed. XRD, SEM, and electrochemical measurement techniques were used to characterize the deposit and ZnCo2O4/Ni electrode. Compared with the ZnCo2O4 electrode prepared by nitrate decomposition method, the electrophoretic ZnCo2O4 electrodes exhibit better electrocatalytic properties and higher mechanical stability. And the electrode prepared at 10 V for 5 min has the best electrocatalytic properties with the overpotential of only 0.203 V at current density of 100 mA cm(-2). (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.