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Activated cathodes were prepared from papermaking techniques for use in a membrane type chlor-alkali cell. These cathodes consisted of a nickel fiber matrix, which entrapped a platinum electrocatalyst supported on activated carbon fiber. Following optimizations of the void volume, thickness, catalyst loading, carbon support, and substrate-support ratio, these cathodes performed at an overpotential of only 58 mV @ 3 kA m )2 in a cell containing 30 wt% NaOH at 80°C. In addition to I/V performance, cathodes were characterized for catalyst dispersion and support surface area. When testing was discontinued, activated cathodes had demonstrated stability for greater than 60 days in a custom cell designed for continuous, steady-state operation.