Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is used to produce zirconia electrolyte films for tubular solid oxide fuel cells. A simple suspension chemistry (8-mol%-yttria-stabilized zirconia particles in acetic acid) yields films of similar quality to those from conventional approaches (such as electrochemical vapor deposition), but at potentially much less expense, A key factor in obtaining high-density, adherent films via the EPD approach is the application of a thin fugitive phase (carbon in this study) on the porous, doped lanthanum manganite cathode tubes prior to zirconia deposition.