The influence of different application-oriented factors on the electrochemical activity and stability of TbBaCo3ZnO7+delta when used as a solid oxide fuel cell cathode has been studied. Calcination at temperatures above 900 degrees C (e.g. 1000 degrees C) leads to a significant increase in the electrode polarization resistance. The effect of the sintering temperature of the TbBaCo3ZnO7+delta cathode seems to be more important than the effect produced by the Tb substitution as observed when compared with 900 degrees C-sintered YBaCo3ZnO7+delta; and ErBaCo3ZnO7+delta electrode performances. The presence of CO2 in the air flow leads to an increase of roughly 10% in the polarization resistance for the whole studied temperature range (500-850 degrees C) while this effect is reversible. Analysis of the impedance spectroscopy measurements shows that the exchange rate constant (k(G) from Gerischer element) is significantly affected by CO2 at temperatures below 700 degrees C, while the diffusion coefficient related parameter is slightly influenced at low temperatures. Electrode degrades with a low constant rate of 1 m Omega cm(2) h(-1) after 60h. This cathode material exhibits high CO2 tolerance, as shown by temperature programmed treatment under a continuous gas flow of air with 5% CO2, and a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.