The bulk structure, surface characteristics and catalytic properties of perovskite-type oxides with the formula La0.6Sr0.4(Co0.18Fe0.72X0.1)O3-delta with X = Zn, Ni and Cu have been investigated. With additional B-site doping with divalent cations, the oxygen vacancy generation properties were significantly enhanced, while still maintaining a stable perovskite structure. The Zn-doped sample showed the best performance and was further characterized for surface structure and properties. CO2 TPD and methane oxidation experiments were conducted to gauge the oxygen activation and oxygen mobility and the Zn-doped catalyst showed improved performance over the baseline La0.6Sr0.4CO0.2Fe0.8O3-delta catalyst, making it a potential SOFC cathode catalyst. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.