Matrix-type NiO-SDC composite particles were synthesized by spray pyrolysis from the starting solution containing citric acid without pre-heat treatment. Mattix-type composite particles synthesized in this study were spherical shape with high-dispersed state of NiO and SDC. The calcined matrix-type NiO-SDC composite particles at 500 and 1000 degrees C showed the high performance of SOFC anode. From the electrochemical characterization, the matrix-type structure was effective to reduce the ohmic loss, and the calcination treatment for the matrix-type composite particles would reduce the anodic polarization. It was found that the addition of citric acid into the starting solution for spray pyrolysis led to the high-dispersed matrix-type NiO-SDC composite particles with spherical shape, which showed the high performance anode, without any pre-heat treatment of the starting solution. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.