The performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using simulated coal-derived syngas, with and without arsine (AsH3), was studied. Anode-supported SOFCs were tested galvanostatically at 0.25 and 0.5 A cm(-2) at 750 and 800 degrees C with simulated coal syngas containing 0.1, 1, and 2 ppm AsH3. The tests with simulated coal syngas containing 1 ppm AsH3 show little degradation over 100 h of operation. The tests with simulated coal syngas containing 2 ppm AsH3 show some signs of degradation, however no secondary arsenide phases were found. Extended trial testing with 0.1 ppm AsH3 showed degradation as well as the formation of a secondary nickel arsenide phase in the anode of the SOFC. Published by Elsevier B.V.