The anodic performances of Ni/CeO 2 -Sm 2 O 3 (Ni/SDC) modified by the addition of alkaline earth metal oxides (MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) were investigated for direct oxidation of CH 4 in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Although the initial power density of cell with Ni/SDC anode modified by the addition of CaO (Ni-CaO/SDC) was slightly lower than that of cell with Ni/SDC, the former anode exhibited an excellent stability compared to the latter one. After continuous operation of SOFC for 24 h, no or less amount of carbon deposition was observed over Ni-CaO/SDC.