Anode performance of LST–xCeO2 for solid oxide fuel cells

La-doped SrTiO3 (LST)–xCeO2 (x = 0, 30, 40, 50) composites were evaluated as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells in terms of chemical compatibility, electrical conductivity and fuel cell performance in H2 and CH4. Although the conductivity of LST–xCeO2 composite slightly decreased from 4.6 to 3.9 S cm−1 in H2 at 900 °C as the content of CeO2 increased, the fuel cell performance improved from 75.8 to 172.3 mW cm−2 in H2 and 54.5 to 139.6 mW cm−2 in CH4 at 900 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicated that the addition of CeO2 into LST can significantly reduce the fuel cells polarization thus leading to a higher performance. The result demonstrated the potential ability of LST–xCeO2 to be used as SOFCs anode.