A solid oxide fuel cell comprises an anode (11), a cathode (13) opposite to the anode, and an electrolyte (12) between the anode and cathode. The electrolyte includes a barrier layer (15) proximate to the anode, with the barrier layer preventing chemical interactions between the electrolyte and anode in addition to preventing elemental losses from the electrolyte. The electrolyte further includes a strengthening layer (10) proximate to the cathode, with the strengthening layer having alternating layer elements that provide fracture resistance to the electrolyte.
