Ceria-carbonate composite materials have been widely investigated as candidate electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells operated at 300-600 degrees C. However, fundamental studies on the composite electrolytes are still in the early stages and intensive research is demanded to advance their applications. In this study, the crystallite structure, microstructure, chemical activity, thermal expansion behavior and electrochemical properties of the samaria doped ceria-carbonate (SCC) composite have been investigated. Single cells using the SCC composite electrolyte and Ni-based electrodes were assembled and their electrochemical performances were studied. The SCC composite electrolyte exhibits good chemical compatibility and thermal-matching with Ni-based electrodes. Peak power density up to 916 mW cm(-2) was achieved at 550 degrees C, which was attributed to high electrochemical activity of both electrolyte and electrode materials. A stable discharge plateau was obtained under a current density of 1.5 A cm(-2) at 550 degrees C for 120 min. In addition, the ionic conducting property of the SCC composite electrolyte was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. It was found that the hybrid-ionic conduction improves the total ionic conductivity and fuel cell performance. These results highlight potential low-temperature application of ceria-carbonate composite electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.