An apertured and porous metal article can find use, for example, in diaphragm or membrane electrolysis cells. The article may comprise a thin and flexible metal foam of small pores which, typically, has been perforated with large apertures. The article may also be provided with an electrocatalytic coating. It can be in substantial physical contact with a membrane or diaphragm separator used in the cell for separating anode and cathode members or compartments. There is also disclosed the preparation of the article and an electrolysis cell utilizing the resulting apertured and porous metal article.