NiO-SDC(Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9) composites were synthesized using gel-casting technique with nitrate precursors. The composite oxides were formed after the gels were fired at 350degreesC in flowing air. No reaction between NiO and CeO2 occurs as analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average particle size was about 50 nm and specific surface area was 10 m(2) g(-1), when the powder was fired at 900degreesC for 2 h. NiO-SDC cermets were prepared by firing the composites at 1350degreesC. The electrical conductivities and porosities of the cermets were measured, for example, 360 S cm(-1) at 600degreesC for a cermet with 30% porosity, 35 vol.% Ni, and 35 vol.% SDC. And the electrochemical performance of Ni-SDC cermet as an anode was investigated using a fuel cell with 25-mum thick SDC electrolyte and Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-SDC cathode. Maximum power density was 618 mW cm(-2) and 491 mW cm(-2) at 650 and 600degreesC, respectively, inferring high catalytic activity of the Ni-SDC anode. Impedance measurements on the fuel cell at open circuit showed that the interfacial polarization resistance of the Ni-SDC anode was negligible compared to the resistance of cathode and electrolyte. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.