Metal-based solid oxide electrochemical devices

A solid oxide electrochemical device, comprising:

• a solid electrolyte layer having a mid-section and a first surface on one side of the mid-section and a second surface on another side of the mid-section opposite the first surface, the first surface and second surface having surface pores formed therein, wherein the surface pores of the solid electrolyte layer provide between 25% to 35% porosity in the first surface and the second surface, the first surface and the second surface each having a depth of up to two microns;
• a first composite electrolyte layer composed of metal and a solid electrolyte and having a porosity;
• a second composite electrolyte layer composed of metal and the solid electrolyte and having the porosity, the solid electrolyte layer sandwiched between the first composite electrolyte layer and the second composite electrolyte layer;
• a cathode on one of the first composite electrolyte layer and the second composite electrolyte layer;
• and
• an anode on another of the first composite electrolyte layer and the second composite electrolyte layer, the anode comprising:
• an anode metal layer comprising pores;
• anode active material;
• and
• reforming catalyst, wherein the anode active material and the reforming catalyst line walls of the pores in the anode metal layer.