BaCo0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O3-delta(BCFN)/Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9(SDC) composite material was prepared and characterized as cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The X-ray diffraction result proved that there was no obvious reaction between the BCFN and SDC after calcination at 1000 degrees C for 10 h. AC impedance spectra based on La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-delta(LSGM) electrolyte measured at intermediate temperatures showed that a cathode with 30 wt% SDC exhibited the best electrochemical performance among the electrodes studied. The interfacial resistance value for BCFN/30SDC was as low as 0.0104, 0.017, 0.029, and 0.062 Omega cm(2) at 800, 750,700 and 650 degrees C, respectively. The maximum power density of a single cell with BCFN/30SDC cathode, Ni0.9Cu0.1-SDC anode, and LSGWSDC electrolyte was 209.7, 298.2, 407.1, 543.4 and 697.9 mW cm(-2) at 600, 650, 700, 750 and 800 degrees C. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.