CONFORMAL THIN FILM OF PRECIOUS METAL ON A SUPPORT

A coated substrate for forming fuel cell catalyst layers includes a plurality of substrate particles, an adhesion layer disposed over the substrate particles, and a precious metal layer disposed over the adhesion layer. The adhesion layer includes a tungsten metal layer. Characteristically, the coated substrate is used in fuel cell applications such as providing the catalyst particles used in the cathode and/or anode catalyst layers.