A dense single-layer YSZ film has been successfully fabricated by a spin smoothing method. Followed by a simplified slurry coating, an additional spin smoothing process was conducted to obtain a thinner and smoother film. By employment of high-viscosity slurry including high YSZ content, the film has a suitable thickness by a single coating cycle. With SM0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC)-impregnated La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSM) cathode and porous NiO-YSZ anode, single solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on an 8-mu m-thick YSZ film was obtained. Open-circuit voltage (OCV) of the cell was 1.04 V at 800 degrees C, and maximum power densities were 676, 965 and 1420 mW cm(-2) at 700, 750 and 800 degrees C, respectively, using H at a flow rate of 40 mL min(-1) as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. The power density could be increased to 1648 mW cm(-2) at 800 degrees C when the flow rate of H-2 was enhanced to 200 mL min(-1). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.