A simple method, without using lithography or etching processes, for fabricating a micro-solid oxide fuel cell (micro-SOFC) that utilizes a metal substrate is presented. A porous and thin (<25 mu m) metal (Ni) film is fabricated by screen printing a NiO film on a ceramic substrate and subsequently reducing this film. Electrolyte and the cathode layers are sequentially deposited on the Ni-film substrate. Micro-SOFCs with a thin-film Gd-doped ceria electrolyte, supported on the Ni substrate, are successfully tested at 450 degrees C. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.