A cobalt-free cubic perovskite oxide SrFe0.9Sb0.1O3-delta (SFSb) is investigated as a novel cathode for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H-SOFCs). XRD results show that SFSb cathode is chemically compatible with the electrolyte BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-delta (BZCYYb) for temperatures up to 1000 degrees C. Thin proton-conducting BZCYYb electrolyte and NiO-BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-delta (NiO-BZCYYb) anode functional layer are prepared over porous anode substrates composed of NiO-BZCYYb by a one-step dry-pressing/co-firing process. Laboratory-sized quad-layer cells of NiO-BZCYYb/NiO-BZCYYb/BZCYYb/SFSb are operated from 550 to 700 degrees C with humidified hydrogen (similar to 3% H2O) as fuel and the static air as oxidant. An open-circuit potential of 0.996V, maximum power density of 428 mW cm(-2), and a low electrode polarization resistance of 0.154 Omega cm(2) are achieved at 700 degrees C. The experimental results indicate that the cobalt-free SFSb is a promising candidate for cathode material for H-SOFCs. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.