Perovskite-structured La0.75Sr0.25CrxMn1-xO3-delta (LSCM, x =0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1) is a potential anode material for direct hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A pulse reactor system was used to determine the catalytic activity and selectivity of LSCM toward methane total oxidation f between 700 and 900 degrees C in the absence of gas-phase oxygen. This replicates the SOFC anode environment, in which oxidation occurs through reduction of the oxide lattice. Activity and selectivity were characterized as a function of lattice oxygen stoichiometry, 3-delta. As 3-delta decreased, the selectivity toward total oxidation decreased for all compositions due to either a change toward partial oxidation or increased dry-reforming activity. The reaction rate and range of oxygen stoichiometry favoring total oxidation increased with increasing Mn content. This was accompanied by a decrease in both carbon formation and oxide stability. These measurements suggest that more-active catalysts are required for SOFC applications. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.