Nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) cermet with various vol.% of Ni has been prepared by the combustion of Ni(NO3)(2), Y(NO3)(3), ZrO(NO3)(2) and carbohydrazide followed by hydrogen reduction at 800 degrees C, 2 h. The as-formed cermet powders were fine with surface area in the range of 27-32 m(2)/g with an average agglomerated particle size in the range of 0.25-0.8 mu m. The samples could be sintered to the required density ( > 70% theoretical density) with porous microstructure. At lower Ni content ( less than or equal to 30 vol.%) the conductivity increases with increasing temperature whereas at higher nickel content the cermets exhibit metallic behaviour. The thermal expansion of the cermets :increases with increasing Ni content. The 30Ni-YSZ cermet with high electrical conductivity (40 S/cm) and low thermal expansion coefficient (11.64 x 10(-6) K-1) appears to be compatible with the electrolyte (YSZ) for SOFC application. (C)