The optimization of electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has been achieved via a wet impregnation method. Pure La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-delta (LSCrM) anodes are modified using Ni(NO3)(2) and/or Ce(NO3)(3)/(Sm,Ce)(NO3)(x) solution. Several yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte-supported fuel cells are tested to clarify the contribution of Ni and/or CeO2 to the cell performance. For the cell using pure-LSCrM anodes, the maximum power density (P-max) at 850 degrees C is 198 mWcm(-2) when dry H-2 and air are used as the fuel and oxidant, respectively. When H-2 is changed to CH4, the value of P-max is 32 mWcm(-2). After 8.9 wt.% Ni and 5.8 wt.% CeO2 are introduced into the LSCrM anode, the cell exhibits increased values of P-max 432, 681, 948 and 1135 mWcm(-2) at 700, 750, 800 and 850 degrees C, respectively, with dry H-2 as fuel and air as oxidant. When O-2 at 50 mL min(-1) is used as the oxidant, the value of P-max increases to 1450 mWcm(-2) at 850 degrees C. When dry CH4 is used as fuel and air as oxidant, the values of P-max reach 95, 197, 421 and 645 mWcm(-2) at 750, 800, 850 and 900 degrees C, respectively. The introduction of Ni greatly improves the performance of the LSCrM anode but does not cause any carbon deposit. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.