Manganese-modified yttria-stabilized zirconia (Mn-YSZ) has been used to suppress interfacial degradation and anode delamination during short term (similar to 200 h) electrochemical testing of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). Two fabrication methods have been used for YSZ surface modification: solid state diffusion of manganese into YSZ substrate and sol-gel coating of a Mn-YSZ layer on YSZ substrate. Both the solid state diffusion and sol-gel coating methods stabilized the electrical performance; however, anode delamination was mitigated only by the sol-gel method. Post-test analysis indicates reduction in the formation of lanthanum zirconate on the Mn-modified electrolyte surface. It is proposed that the presence of the porous sol-gel coating prevents high pressure oxygen build up and results in the mitigation of the anode delamination. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.