Montana State University (MSU) will develop, characterize, and refine electrode preparation methods to mechanically strengthen the anode support structure and facilitate the binding of sub-micron nickel metal catalysts (diameter < 100 nm) to ion-conducting ceramic scaffolds. Researchers will accomplish this task through the addition of reactive materials in low concentrations that chemically join the percolated ion and electron conducting networks comprising solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cermet anodes while simultaneously immobilizing metal catalysts to their support. These 2° phase chemical anchors will serve two distinct purposes: (1) inhibit particle coarsening and other mechanisms that deactivate high surface area catalysts at high temperatures and (2) improve the electrode’s fracture toughness and, hence, flexural strength, thus conferring additional mechanical stability to the entire membrane electrode assembly.