The compositions of (100-x)Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+delta:(x)Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta (x = 00, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 vol.%) composite system, synthesized by ball milling appropriate mixture followed by sintering at 1000 degrees C for 4 h, are of superfine crystalline nature (crystallite size 106 to 253 nm). The dc conductivity decreases with increase in Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta second phase. The increase in Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta content in composites reduces the crystallite size of Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+delta. Symmetric cells in the configuration given by electrode/electrolyte/electrode with gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) as electrolyte were fabricated by spin coating the ink of cathode. The minimum area specific resistance (ASR) value of 0.34 Omega cm(2) was obtained at a temperature of 700 degrees C, for (70)Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+delta:(30)Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-delta a composite cathode, and directly correlated with optimum dispersion of gadolinia-doped ceria into Nd1.8Ce0.2CuO4+delta matrix. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.