Aiming at SOFC anode applications, we have synthesized nanometer-sized nickel catalysts supported on hollow spherical particles of samaria-doped ceria (Ni/SDC) by spraying a mixed solution of nickel, samarium, and cerium nitrates into an atmospheric pressure plasma. The as-prepared particles consisted of SDC (average diameter d(SDC) = ca. 0.8 mu m) and uniformly dispersed nanometer-sized NiO particles. When reduced in H-2 at 800 degrees C or 1000 degrees C. Ni nanoparticles (average diameter d(Ni) = 34 nm) were found to be embedded uniformly into the SDC surface. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.