In solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), a Gd0.2Ce0.8O2-delta (GDC) interlayer is often positioned between the (La,Sr) (Co,Fe)O3-delta (LSCF) anode (air electrode) and the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte to reduce the reaction between the materials. However, delamination of the GDC interlayer from the YSZ electrolyte can occur during SOEC operation. In this study, a Ce0.43Zr0.43Gd0.1Y0.04O2-delta (CZGY) contact layer is inserted between YSZ and GDC to increase interface stability. SOEC performance is tested and compared with and without contact layer for 100 h. The CZGY contact layer significantly improves the cell's chemical stability and electrochemical performance. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.