The matrix phase of protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) cermet anodes potentially plays a vital role in hydrogen oxidation kinetics. The present work aims to investigate such involvement by selecting ceramic-oxide matrices with widely dissimilar levels of proton conduction. The materials chosen were that of the proton conducting phase BaZr0.85Y0.15O3-delta and the nominal composition BaZrO3 of negligible proton conduction. Cermet anodes Ni-BaZrO3 and Ni-BaZr0.85Y0.15O3-delta were synthesized by the acetate-H2O2 combustion method for Ni contents of 40 vol%. The microstructure and electrochemical performance of the cermet anodes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance measurements (EIS) respectively. The polarisation behaviour of the two nickel cermet anodes was studied as a function of temperature, hydrogen partial pressure (pH(2)) and water vapor partial pressure (pH(2)O). The results confirm that polarisation resistance is highly sensitive to the composition of the ceramic phase of the cermet anode and that the higher frequency electrode response exhibits strong links to levels of proton transport in the ceramic-oxide matrix. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.