The electrochemical characteristics and product distribution for a ceria-based solid oxide fuel cell using hydrogen sulfide as the fuel were examined. The cell studied had the configuration H2S, Pt\(CeO2)(0.8)(SmO1.5)\Pt, air. Low anode over-potentials and high exchange current densities (>60 mA/cm(2) in some instances) were observed. An analysis of the product distribution showed that complete oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide las opposed to sulfur) and water appears to be the favored reaction pathway.