Samaria-doped ceria (Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9, SDC) membranes for anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells were fabricated by a Slurry spin coating method. Comparative studies were carried out on the effect of the agglomerate property of SDC powders on the fabrication of the membranes. The results showed that the agglomerate property of the SDC powders had a significant effect on the formation of dense and thin SDC membranes. Using a Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCF)-SDC composite cathode, the cell with a similar to 15 mu m SDC electrolyte membrane achieved all excellent performance. Maximum power densities of the cell were 648 and 869 mW cm(-2) at 600 and 650 degrees C, respectively. Analysis of the impedance spectra indicated that the cell resistance under open-circuit conditions was dominated by the interfacial resistance. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.