The present invention relates to method for the synthesis of a transition metal catalyst consisting of electrodeposition on a substrate electrode from an electrolyte solution comprising at least one transition metal precursor, wherein the electrodeposition takes places at a deposition current density of 500 to 2000 mA/cm2. The present invention further relates to a transition metal catalyst <b>characterised in that</b> it is stable for at least 30 minutes at a current density of at least 400 mA/cm2 on the substrate electrode.