According to an embodiment, a method of processing a material for a catalyst includes establishing an electrical potential on a porous electrode. Core particles are directed through the porous electrode. A layer of metal is deposited on the core particles as the particles pass through the porous electrode. According to an embodiment, an example assembly for processing a material for a catalyst includes a housing that establishes a path for particles to move through the housing. A porous electrode is situated within the housing for permitting core particles to move through the porous electrode. A layer of metal can be deposited on the core particles as the particles pass through the porous electrode.