Thermochemical compatibilities with Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-delta (GDC) electrolyte and electrochemical behaviors under the condition of anodic or cathodic current treatment are investigated for La0.8Sr0.2Co0.8Ni0.2O3-delta (LSCN) cathode of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) shows that cation exchange at 1150 degrees C leads to the formation of solid state solution between the cathode and electrolyte. Considering thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and conductivity, La1-xSrxCo1-yNiyO3-delta with the composition of La0.8Sr0.2Co0.8Ni0.2O3-delta is indicated as a promising cathode for intermediate temperature SOFC. Electrochemical measurement reveals that the performance of LSCN cathode shows reversibility under anodic with subsequent cathodic current treatment. Further, the low frequency electrode process is strongly affected by anodic current. While the high frequency arc shows independent relationship with current polarization. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.