Cobalt-free oxide Sr0.7Y0.3CuO2+delta (SYCu) with one-dimensional structure has been investigated as potential cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) applications. The crystal structure, chemical compatibility, thermal expansion and electrochemical performance were examined by X-ray diffraction technique, electrochemical workstation and thermal dilatometer. One-dimensional structure Sr1-xYxCuO2+delta and Sr2-xYxCuO3+delta phases appeared as the main parts after calcination above 900 degrees C. The copper based oxide SYCu showed a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) about 11.1 x 10(-6)/degrees C at 25-800 degrees C, exhibiting good physical compatibility with samarium doped cerium (SDC) electrolyte. High electro-catalytic performance was obtained for SYCu cathode in a symmetrical cell with a polarization resistance (R-p) of 0.029 Omega cm(2) and an overpotential of 4.9 mV at 100 mA/cm(2) at 800 degrees C, showing great promising use as cathode materials for IT-SOFCs. In addition, the polarization resistance of SYCu cathode remain constant after operation at 800 degrees C for 100 h, showing excellent long-term stability at operation temperature. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.