Lead(II) oxide thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis of aqueous solutions of Pb(CH3COO)(2)(.)2H(2)O and deposited onto a lead substrate. A homogeneous coating was obtained at 260 degreesC that consisted of well-crystallized alpha-PbO. Following soaking and curing, the oxide became a phase mixture the main component of which was (PbOPbSO4)-Pb-.. The electroformation of the cured plate produces dense agglomerates of small beta-PbO2 particles accompanied by unreacted alpha-PbO. Preliminary electrochemical tests of the cell revealed a progressive decrease in polarization during charging in the first few cycles probably associated to improved adherence of active particles to the substrate, The cell was found to maintain a discharge capacity of ca. 100 A h/kg (40% of the theoretical value) upon extensive cycling.