The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of air electrodes consisting of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 and/or carbon in the electrocatalyst layer are studied by using two types of gas diffusion electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry studies reveal very low ORR activity of carbon-free perovskite and remarkably enhanced ORR of perovskite-carbon composites. The ORR current density at -0.5 V vs. Hg/HgO is higher than 200 mA cm(-2) in a wide range of perovskite-carbon composition, suggesting good peroxide reducing capability of the perovskite. The ORR mechanisms of perovskite-carbon composites are consistent with the 2+2-electron mechanisms. The ORR and OER properties of perovskite-carbon composite electrodes are significantly influenced by the carbon species. The electrode exhibits a higher ORR current density, but inferior cycling performances when a carbon material with a higher specific surface area is used, and vice versa. Under a current density of 20 mA cm(-2) and ORR and OER durations of 30 min, a gas diffusion type electrode consists of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 and a low surface area carbon are capable of more than 150 cycles. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.