A solid oxide fuel cell constructed from Ni-SDC anode and LSGM electrolyte was applied to the partial oxidation of methane to syngas (CO + H-2) at 700-800 degreesC with the merits of co-generation of electricity and controllable O-2 Supply. It was found that the co-generated syngas at H-2/CO ratio of 1.4-2.0 varied with applied current densities, CH4 flow rates and operating temperatures. The cell voltage at 100 mA cm(-2) and 800 degreesC was 0.90 V, i.e. about 90 mW cm(-2) power density could be obtained. The cell operating at 50 mA cm(-2) for 24 h almost showed no degradation of the cell performance. The observed carbon deposition seemed mainly taking place by Cl-L cracking reaction. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.