Layered perovskite PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2-xFexO5+delta (PBSCF, x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) oxides are designed and evaluated as cathode materials for solid-oxide fuel cells. Effect of Fe/Co molar ratio on structural, thermal and electrochemical properties for PBSCF is systematically investigated. With increasing x from 0.5 to 1.5, the structure does not change but the lattice parameters increase. At the same time, thermal expansion coefficient decreases, which is helpful to thermally match with the electrolyte. From X-ray photoelectron spectra, it can be seen that both Fe and Co exist in a mixed oxidation state. Fe ions are prone to high oxidation state (Fe3+ and Fe4+), while Co ions basically exhibit low oxidation state (Co2+ and Co3+). The PBSCF samples exhibit a semiconductor metal transition in the temperature range of 250-300 degrees C. With increasing Fe substitution content for Co, the electrode polarization resistance increases. The PBSCF (x = 0.5) cathode exhibits the highest power density of 697 mW cm(-2) at 850 degrees C. The cell power output strongly depends on microstructure, electronic conductivity and electrochemical resistance. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.