Direct octane fuel cells: A promising power for transportation

► A multi-functional SOFC anode showed potential for direct utilization of transportation fuels. ► It is very efficient for in situ reformation of wet hydrocarbons without the addition of O2 or CO2. ► The enhanced coking tolerance is attributed to the thin BZY coatings and the nano-BaO/Ni interfaces. ► High power density is demonstrated with wet (∼3 v% water vapor) iso-octane as the fuel.