A cobalt-free Sm0.5Sr0.5FeO3-delta-BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3-delta (SSF-BZCY) was developed as a composite cathode material for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H-SOFC) based on proton-conducting electrolyte of stable BZCY. The button cells of Ni-BZCY/BZCY/SSF-BZCY were fabricated and tested from 550 to 700 degrees C with humidified H-2 (similar to 3% H2O) as a fuel and ambient oxygen as oxidant. An open-circuit potential of 1.024 V, maximum power density of 341 mW cm(-2), and a low electrode polarization resistance of 0.1 Omega cm(2) were achieved at 700 degrees C. The experimental results indicated that the SSF-BZCY composite cathode is a good candidate for cathode material. Copyright (C) 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.