We have fabricated nano-scale gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) at the electrode-electrolyte boundary by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) for high-performance solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) working at low temperatures below 500 degrees C. In AACVD, temperature is the key factor affecting the grain size. We have confirmed that by nano-granulizing the electrolyte surface using optimized AACVD, the power output of the SOFC is 50% higher than that of the bare GDC SOFC. From the impedance analysis, significant enhancement of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction is identified from the AACVD-GDC nano-grain surface treatment. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.