Mixed transition-metal oxide Ni0.79Co0.2Zn0.01O (NCZ) powders have been prepared by the modified Pechini method and studied as cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9(SDC)vertical bar SDC ' SDC-NCZ single cell achieves 326 mW cm(-2) at 600 degrees C. The output power has been further improved by partial substituting Li for Ni at Ni sites. The Ni-SDC vertical bar SDC vertical bar SDC-Li0.2Ni0.79Co0.2Zn0.01O2 (L(2)NCZ) cell with the SDC film of 30 mu m in thickness shows maximum power outputs of 1.32, 0.98 and 0.62 W cm(-2) at 650, 600 and 550 degrees C, respectively. The impedance measurements at open circuit conditions show that the overall electrode polarization resistances is 0.033, 0.112, 0351 Omega cm(2) at 650, 600 and 550 degrees C, respectively. The primary results indicate a new family of potential cathode material compatible with the SDC electrolyte for IT-SOFCs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.