A quickly rechargeable direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell (RDCFC) that uses a solid carbon fuel supplied by thermal decomposition of propane was developed. This RDCFC, after a fuel charging time of only 5 min, maintained a power density of 44.2-50.4 mW/cm(2) for 83 min, had a maximum power density of 52 mW/cm(2), and exhibited these stable characteristics for at least six cycles of power generation and charging. This new type of solid oxide fuel cell can be used as a compact, portable power unit. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.