Conventional structured catalytic structures are constituted by a ceramic or metallic monolith whose wall surface is covered by a porous coating on which the active metal is deposited. To simplify the deposition procedures it is proposed to deposit the active metal on the bare surface of the carrier. The metal deposition is accomplished by the chemical reduction of metallic ions in aqueous solution. Catalytically active systems obtained by anchoring palladium (or ruthenium) on stainless steel supports or carbon fabrics are described. Their activity depends on the operating parameters of the deposition procedure.