Extensive works have been performed to diminish cathode polarization for proton-conducting electrolyte based solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) while not much attention is paid to functional anode for improving electrochemical reaction at three-phase-boundaries (TPB). In this work, a highly active anode functional layer (FL) synthesized by a modified combustion method was employed to significantly elevate the cell performance at intermediate operation temperatures (550-650 degrees C). The effects of anode structure configuration, FL powder size and thickness on power outputs and electrode polarization were investigated. A maximum power density of 489 mW cm(-2) and a low electrode polarization resistance of 0.37 Omega cm(2) were achieved at 650 degrees C, indicating fuel gas transport and hydrogen oxidation reaction at TPB sites largely contribute to total cell resistance which could be effectively diminished by optimization of anodic interface environment with the adoption of highly active anode powders. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.