A newgel-casting technique has been successfully developed to obtain tubular NiO-SDC anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Rheological parameters of the ceramic particle suspensions, directly influencing on casting and production, were investigated as a function of process parameters: solid loading, dispersant and agarose amounts. Afterwards, a SDC (Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9) electrolyte film was deposited on NiO-SDC tubular anode substrates by colloidal spray-coating technique and co-sintering at 1400 degrees C for 5 h. The shrinkage and microstructure of the sintered cell components were studied. SEM results revealed high porosities of anode (40%) and cathode (La0.5Sr0.5CoO3, LSC), a dense SDC film electrolyte with a thickness of 30 mu m and a good adhesion between the electrolyte, and the anode and cathode. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.