In this paper, Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) is used as a barrier interlayer between Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8-Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCF) anode and 8YSZ electrolyte to avoid solid state interaction of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) for high temperature application. The crystal structure and surface morphologies of BSCF and SDC powders were characterized, respectively. BSCF-SDC/YSZ/SDC-BSCF symmetric cells and BSCF-SDC/YSZ/Ni-YSZ single button cells were prepared and the related electrochemical performances were tested at 850 degrees C. The results showed that ASR data of BSCF-SDC/YSZ is 0.42 Omega cm(2) at 850 C. The hydrogen production rate of the single SOEC using BSCF/SDC anode can be up to 177.4 mL cm(-2) h(-1), also the cell exhibits excellent stability, which indicates that it could be a potential candidate for the future application of SOEC technology. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.