Fuel cells are an attractive method for electrical power generation because they offer the possibility of very high efficiencies compared to normal heat engines. One of the major hurdles preventing their implementation for a wide variety of applications is the fact that, until recently, only H@sub 2@ could be used as the fuel. We have recently demonstrated that stable power generation, without either internal or external reforming, can be achieved through the direct oxidation of hydrocarbons, including liquids, using a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC).@footnote 1@ The anodes in these direct-oxidation SOFC were composites made of Cu, ceria, and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). In this talk, the methods for preparing these anodes will be described. It will be demonstrated that surface chemistry and structure are crucial for improved performance of these fuel cells. Attempts to control the surface chemistry and structure will then be discussed. @FootnoteText@ @footnote 1@ S. Park, J. M. Vohs, and R. J. Gorte, Nature, 404 (2000) 265.