Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been recognized as a promising energy conversion device that is expected to play a critical role in solving the global energy and environmental challenges, however, the durability of SOFC under practical working conditions has limited its wide spread deployment and commercialization. Specifically, SOFC cathode often suffers from various contaminations such as Cr and Si arising from the interconnect and sealing materials, respectively, as well as humidity and CO2 which are inherent in ambient air, resulting in serious issues in long-term performance degradation. In this review, the impacts of certain poisoning and corrosions on SOFC cathode are introduced, and the latest results of durability research on the corrosion resistant properties of cathode under CO2, humidity, Cr and Si-containing conditions are reviewed. The poisoning and corrosion mechanism and durability of these aspects are systematically assessed and discussed. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.