We report a simple synthesis of La0.65Sr0.3MnO3 nanorods (LSM-R) through hydrothermal reaction followed by calcination at high temperature (700-850 degrees C). Thermogravimetric analysis and XRD study reveals that 850 degrees C is adequate for phase pure LSM-R formation. The microstructure of the powder has been clinically studied using FESEM and TEM. It is observed that the intermediate hydrothermal treatment plays key role in formation of such nanorods. Different bulk properties of LSM-R like sinteractivity, CTE, density, electrical conductivity etc. have been comprehensively studied. A maximum electrical conductivity of around 250 S/cm at 800 degrees C is obtained when LSM-R specimen is sintered at 1200 degrees C/2 h. The cathodic polarization of such LSM-R is measured using impedance analysis. It is observed that polarization value initially decreases attains minimum and then starts to increase with increase in cathode sintering temperature and dwelling time. A minimum cathodic polarization value of 0.32 Omega/cm(2) at 800 degrees C is obtained at an optimized cathode sintering condition of 1000 degrees C/2 h. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.