A performance of an anode-supported tubular Ni-8YSZ/Ni-ScSZ/ScSZ/GDC/LSC cell was investigated at 650-750 degrees C by feeding model kerosene reformate gas (H-2, H2O, CO, CO2, and CH4) to a Ni-8YSZ/Ni-ScSZ anode. Variations of gas composition were observed not only between inlet and outlet of anode to estimate the degree of internal reforming, but also during current input by online quadrupole mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. The electrochemical performance of the cell was independent of reforming temperature of kerosene, i.e. gas composition (in particular CH4 concentration) at moderate anode gas flow rates. At open-circuit states, 10% or less methane in the kerosene-reformed gas was readily converted by steam or CO, over the Ni-8YSZ/Ni-ScSZ electrode so that gas compositions could almost follow the thermodynamic equilibrium at 650-750 degrees C. This suggests that the internal reforming should proceed almost completely over the Ni anode. Consumption of H, and CO and production of CO, were observed during current input. I-V characteristics remained constant at 650 degrees C as long as anodic W/F was more than 0.2 kg mmol(-1) s. It was demonstrated that a catalytic activity of an anode electrode for hydrocarbons will be important for SOFCs with liquid fuels such as kerosene in order not to deteriorate cell perfonnance. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.