A Ni-doped A-site-deficient La0.7Sr0.3Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-delta perovskite (N-LSCM) was synthesized and systematically characterized towards the application as the anode electrode for direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells (DC-SOFCs). The microstructure and electrochemical properties of N-LSCM under the operation conditions of DC-SOFCs have been evaluated. An in-situ exsolution of Ni nanoparticles on the N-LSCM perovskite matrix is found, revealing a maximum power density of 153 mW cm(-2) for the corresponding DC-SOFC at 850 degrees C, compared to 114 mW cm(-2) of the cell with stoichiometric LSCM. The introduction of Ni nanoparticles exsolution and A-site deficient is believed to boost the formation of highly mobile oxygen vacancies and electrochemical catalytic activity, and further improves the output performance of the DC-SOFC. It thus promises as a suitable anode candidate for DC-SOFCs with whole-solid-state configuration. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.