Deposition of composite films of Ni and Gd-doped ceria was carried out using the electrostatic assisted ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method for the first time. The composite films were highly homogeneous, as revealed by element mapping via energy-dispersive spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope examinations revealed that deposition temperature and electric field strength had profound influence on resultant microstructure, while composition of the precursor solution had little effect. A highly porous cauliflower structure ideal for solid oxide fuel cell anode performance was obtained with a deposition temperature of 450 degrees C under an electric field introduced by an applied voltage of 12 kV. Films obtained with a lower deposition temperature of 250 degrees C or a higher applied voltage of 15 kV resulted in denser films with low porosity, while lower applied voltages of 7 or 5 kV resulted in thinner or discontinuous films due to the insufficient electrostatic attraction on the aerosol droplets. As revealed by AC impedance measurement, the area specific resistances of the Ni-CGO anode with porous cauliflower structure were rather low and a value of 0.09 ohm cm(2) at 550 degrees C was obtained. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.