A novel iron-based perovskite BaCe0.5Fe0.5O3-delta (BCF) powders were successfully fabricated and the phase composition, lattice structure, oxygen surface exchange coefficient and electrochemical performance were investigated. The ultrafine BCF powder with grain size of about 200 nm consisted of dual phase BaCe0.15Fe0.85O3-delta and BaCe0.85Fe0.15O3-delta. Electrical conductivity relaxation measurement illustrates the low conductivity activation energy and the high oxygen surface exchange kinetics with oxygen surface exchange coefficient of 3.8 x 10(-5) cms(-1) at 600 degrees C. BCF cathode exhibits 1.04 Omega cm(2) on doped ceria electrolyte and remains stable in 400 h long term test at 600 degrees C. A single cell based on doped ceria electrolyte with BCF cathode shows a maximum power density of 228 mW cm(-2) at 650 degrees C. The preliminary results indicate that the dual phase BCF can be applied as cathode material for oxygen ion conductive solid oxide fuel cells. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.