Highly crystalline composite anodes composed of La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-delta-La0.2Ce0.8O2-delta (LSCM-LDC) have been synthesized using a simple modified sol gel method. LSCM is known for its superior redox stability. LDC acts both as an agent that blocks grain growth in LSCM, and reduces the area-specific resistance of the electrode, thereby enhancing the overall electrochemical performance of single cells. However, the carbon deposition rate of LSCM LDC composite anodes increases with increasing LDC content. The optimal anode composition is 50 wt.% LSCM-50 wt.% LDC. This composite has a polarization resistance of 0.081 Omega cm(2) and 0.130 Omega cm(2) in H-2 and CH4, respectively, measured at 800 degrees C. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.