Ethane and electrical power are co-generated in proton ceramic fuel cell reactors having Cr2O3 nanoparticles as anode catalyst, BaCe0.8Y0.15Nd0.05O3-delta (BCYN) perovskite oxide as proton conducting ceramic electrolyte, and Pt as cathode catalyst. Cr2O3 nanoparticles are synthesized by a combustion method. BaCe0.8Y0.15Nd0.05O3-delta (BCYN) perovskite oxides are obtained using a solid state reaction. The power density increases from 51 mW cm(-2) to 118 mW cm(-2) and the ethylene yield increases form about 8% to 31% when the operating temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell reactor increases from 650 degrees C to 750 degrees C. The fuel cell reactor and process are stable at 700 degrees C for at least 48h. Cr2O3 anode catalyst exhibits much better coke resistance than Pt and Ni catalysts in ethane fuel atmosphere at 700 degrees C. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.