The layered SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+delta (SBSC) perovskite oxide is synthesized by the Pechini method and investigated as a novel cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). A laboratory-sized Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC)-based tri-layer cell of NiO-SDC/SDC/SBSC is operated from 500 to 700 degrees C fed with humidified H-2 (similar to 3% H2O) as a fuel and the static ambient air as oxidant. A maximum power density of 1147 mW cm(-2) is achieved at 700 degrees C. The interfacial polarization resistance is as low as 1.01, 0.38, 0.16, 0.06 and 0.03 Omega cm(2) at 500, 550, 600, 650 and 700 degrees C, respectively. The experimental results indicate that SBSC is a very promising cathode material for IT-SOFCs. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.