A systematic investigation of the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of anodes with a nominal composition of 30:70; 50:50 and 80:20 atom %) was performed. The oxide layer surface morphology, microstructure, and composition were investigated prior to and after accelerated life test through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy. EDS analyses following total deactivation of the electrode showed a relatively large content of Ru in the coating. X-ray diffraction results showed the formation of a solid solution between and Cyclic voltammograms of this system were registered in acidic solutions 0.5 mol dm−3) and they presented a well-defined peak attributed to the Ru(III)/Ru(IV) solid-state redox transition. The electrocatalytic activity shows a strong dependence on the content in the film. The stability of the electrodes toward oxygen evolution reaction was evaluated at using a current density of and a temperature of 80°C. A direct dependence between the electrode lifetime (LT) and present in the coating was observed. Upon changing for atom %) a considerable improvement (average of 54%) in the LT values of these oxides was obtained. This result is a good indication that the Ru/Ta system might be a promising coating to operate under severe conditions. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.