NiO-Ce0.8SM0.2O1.9 (SDC) composite particles were synthesized using starting solutions containing the components for NiO-SDC and various amounts of nitric acid. It was found that the particles had a different surface morphology and specific surface area depending on the pH values of the starting solutions. SOFC single cell using the composite particles as an anode electrode was examined at an intermediate temperature to clarify the relationship between particle morphology and cell performance. High and consistent cell performance was obtained when the composite particles were synthesized using the solutions containing large amounts of nitric acid. It was considered that the morphology and the specific surface area of NiO-SDC composite particles played an important role realizing a high cell performance anode. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.