The properties of a new cathode material of nano-sized TiO2-coated Ni powder for application in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) are investigated. The material is prepared by a sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy are employed to characterize the cathode material. The nano-sized TiO2 particles are homogenously coated on the surface of the Ni powder. A stable LiTi1-xNixO2 phase is formed on the surface of the Ni powder during immersion in molten carbonate at 650 degrees C. The solubility of the TiO2-coated Ni cathode is about 50% lower compare with that of a pure Ni cathode. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.