A novel layered perovskite oxide PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO) is employed as a potential cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Thermal expansion and electrochemical performance on samarium-doped ceria (SDC) electrolyte are evaluated. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO) is close to that of SDC electrolyte and electrical conductivity of PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO) reaches the general required value of cathode material. Symmetrical electrochemical cell with the configuration of PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO)/SDC/PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO) applied for the impedance studies, the area specific resistance of PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO) cathode is as low as 0.047 Omega cm(2) at 700 degrees C. A maximum power density of 791 mW cm(-2) is obtained at 700 degrees C for the single cell consisting of PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO)/SDC/NiO-SDC. Preliminary results indicate that PrBaCuCoO5+delta (PBCCO) is especially promising as a cathode for IT-SOFCs. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.