The electrode performance of solid oxide fuel cell anode with Pd nanoparticles at the interface of ScYSZ electrolyte and Sr0.94Ti0.9Nb0.1O3 (STN) electrode introduced in the form of metal functional layer have been investigated at temperatures below 600 degrees C. A metal functional layer consisting of Pd was deposited by magnetron sputtering. Effecting from heat treatments, Pd nanoparticles with particle sizes in the range of 5-20 nm were distributed at the interface, and throughout the backbone. The polarization resistance of the modified STN reduced to 30 Omega cm(2) at 600 degrees C, which is three times less than an unmodified STN backbone. In order to improve the anode performance further. Pd and Gd-doped CeO2 electrocatalysts were infiltrated into the STN backbone. The modified interface with Pd nanoparticles in combination with nanostructured electrocatalyst by infiltration resulted in polarisation resistances of 0.35 Omega cm(2) at 600 degrees C in H-2/3% H2O fuel. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.