The Nd1.7Sr0.3CuO4 (NSCu) material with perovsikite-related structure was synthesized and evaluated as a new cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The crystal structure, thermal expansion, electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of NSCu have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, a dilatometer, DC four-probe method, AC impedance and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The polarization resistances of NSCu cathode on Sm-doped ceria (SDC) electrolyte in air were 0.07 Omega cm(2), 0.24 Omega cm(2) and 1.60 Omega cm(2) at 800 degrees C, 700 degrees C and 600 degrees C, respectively. The results demonstrated that both impedance and CV methods are consistent with high exchange current density i(o) (390.7 mA/cm(2) and 76.1 mA/cm(2) at 800 degrees C and 700 degrees C.), making NSCu a promising cathode material for the IT-SOFCs based on doped ceria electrolytes. (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.