In this study, a new functional composite based on CuFe-oxide mineral (CF) was prepared. This material was first investigated as a novel electrolyte material for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LTSOFCs). The CF and an oxygen ion conducting LixZnO Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-delta (LZSDC) composite were prepared via a solid-phase blending method. The fuel cell device was fabricated by using the CF LZSDC composite as an electrolyte layer sandwiched between symmetric electrodes of Ni0.8Co0.2Al0.5Li (NCAL) coated Ni foam. The results showed that device performance increased with increasing compaction pressure. When the compaction pressure was 450 MPa, the maximum output power was 637 mW cm(-2), and the lowest ohmic resistance was 0.58 Omega. The electrochemical catalytic activity and the optimal design of LTSOFCs based on the mineral composite materials were investigated. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.