The low temperature solid oxide fuel cells have recently drawn much more attention due to reducing the corrosion, easing the sealing and avoiding the large hot stress cycling and high costs. In this circumstance, the overpotential of polarization in the cathode will become large and the conductivity will become much lower with reducing the temperature. A novel type of La2NixM1-xO4 (x = 0.2-0.5) (M = Cu, Co) perovskite-like oxide was synthesized and studied as the cathode for low-temperature, 400-600 degrees C, solid oxide fuel cells. The microstructure, electrical conductivity and fuel cell performances are investigated. The substitution of Cu or Co for Ni in the perovskite-like oxide improved the electrical conductivity of the cathode materials. The maximum power density 312mWcm(-2) with the perovskite-like oxide cathode was obtained in the low temperature, 550 degrees C. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.