Effect of preparation method for Pr0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (PSCF) on its electrochemical performance was investigated. Powder samples were synthesized by hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and EDTA-citric acid (EC) techniques, respectively. The particles synthesized by HMTA were smaller than those prepared by EC method as proved by TEM. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy illuminated that more oxygen sites including oxygen vacancy on the surface of HMTA-derived PSCF exist than that of EC-derived PSCF. The area specific resistance (ASR) value of HMTA-derived PSCF cathode was as low as 0.454 Omega cm(2) at 600 degrees C, whereas the ASR value of EC-derived PSCF was 0.641 Omega cm(2). The results in the present study demonstrated the advantages of the HMTA method in the synthesis of highly catalytic active PSCF oxide powder for SOFCs. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.