The anode material BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-delta (BZCYYb) for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is prepared by solid state reaction method and its chemical compatibility with Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) is evaluated. The electrochemical performance of the pure and Pd- and Cu0.5Pd0.5-impreganated BZCYYb electrodes is characterized in the temperature range between 650 and 750 degrees C by AC impedance spectroscopy in H-2 and/or CH4 atmospheres, respectively, under the condition of open circuit. It is confirmed that the BZCYYb is chemically compatible with the YSZ at temperatures below 1000 degrees C. The polarization resistance of the BZCYYb anode in H-2 is decreased from 2.08 to 0.51 Omega cm(2) as the measuring temperature increases from 650 to 750 degrees C with an activation energy of 117 kJ mol(-1). With Pd- or Cu0.5Pd0.5-impregnation, the polarization resistance of the BZCYYb electrode in H-2 is reduced significantly to approximately 0.40 Omega cm(2) at 650 degrees C and 0.12 Omega cm(2) at 750 degrees C. With dry CH4 as the fuel, the polarization resistance of the Pd- and Cu0.5Pd0.5-impregnated BZCYYb anodes is obviously increased below 1.00 Omega cm(2) at 650 degrees C and 0.22 Omega cm(2) at 750 degrees C. Both Pd and Cu0.5Pd0.5 impregnations are equivalently effective in enhancing the electrochemical performance of the BZCYYb anode. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.