La1-xSrxCr1-xMxO3-delta (M=Cr, Fe, V) system has been studied as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The perovskite La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-delta (LSCM) is stable in both H-2 and CH4 atmospheres at temperatures up to 1000 degrees C. However, in the reducing atmospheres of H-2 and CH4, its electronic conductivity is greatly reduced from its value in air. We have characterized LSCM as the anode of a SOFC having 250 mu m-thick La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O2.815 (LSGM) as the electrolyte and SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (SCF) as the cathode. We report a comparison of the overpotentials at the following anodes: (1) La0.4Ce0.6O1.8 (LDC) +NiO composite in H-2, (2) porous LSCM in H-2 and CH4, (3) porous LSCM impregnated with CuO in H-2 and CH4 and (4) porous LSCM impregnated with CuO and sputtered with Pt in H-2 and CH4. An LSCM+CuO+Pt anode gave a maximum power output at 850 degrees C of 850 mW/cm(2) and 520 mW/cm(2), respectively, with H-2 and CH4 as fuel whereas anode (1) gave 1.4 W/cm(2) at 800 degrees C in H-2. There was no noticeable coke formation in CH4 with anodes (2), (3) and (4), which demonstrates that the perovskite oxide is a plausible option for the anode of a SOFC operating with hydrocarbon fuels. We also report the moisture effect in the H-2 and CH4 fuel-oxidation process. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.