Effect of impregnation phases on the performance of Ni-based anodes for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

► CeO2 and Sm2O3 impregnated anodes show great performance as SDC impregnated ones. ► Improved performance is mainly attributed to the enhanced electrochemical activity. ► The activity of Sm2O3 impregnated anodes may derive from a hydrogen spillover effect. ► Wet impregnation is an effective approach to design anodes for low temperature SOFCs.