A highly efficient fuel cell electrode structure based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is demonstrated. The CNTs were grown on carbon paper by chemical vapor deposition using electrodeposited Co/Ni catalyst. Pt was subsequently deposited by spraying of Pt precursor on CNTs followed by in situ reduction in hydrogen. Cyclic voltammograms show a significant improvement in the Pt utilization in the CNT-based electrode over conventional electrode (58% vs. 34%). Higher membrane electrode assembly performance was observed for CNT-based electrode with a maximum power density of 623 mW cm(-2) at Pt loading of 0.15 mg/cm(2), 70 degrees C and 3 atm. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.