Nd1-xBaCo2O6-delta (N1-xBCO) is evaluated as cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The effects of Nd-deficiency on the crystal structure, thermal expansion behavior, electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance are studied. N1-xBCO oxides crystallize in the orthorhombic symmetry with Pmmm space group. A good chemical compatibility between N1-xBCO and CGO electrolyte is found at 1100 degrees C in air. Introducing Nd-deficiency promotes the formation of oxygen vacancy, and significantly improves the electrochemical performance of N1-xBCO cathodes. The lowest area specific resistance (ASR) value of 0.043 Omega cm(2) is obtained on the N0.96BCO cathode at 700 degrees C in air. The rate limiting step for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is charge transfer process at the interface. The power output of the electrolyte supported cell Ni-CGO/CGO/N0.96BCO reaches 0.6 W cm(-2) at 700 degrees C. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.