The SrCo0.9Ta0.1O3-delta (SCT) perovskite-type oxide is synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method and examined as an alternative cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The electrical conductivity of SCT sample reaches 250-152 S cm(-1) in the temperature range 600-800 degrees C. SCT exhibits good chemical compatibility with the intermediate-temperature electrolyte material Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC). The average thermal expansion coefficient of SCT is 21.4 x 10(-6) K-1. The cathode area specific resistance (ASR) of SCT is only 0.095 Omega cm(2) at 750 degrees C and it decreases to 0.068 Omega cm(2) when SDC is added to form a SCT-SDC composite cathode. The results indicate that the SCT can be a promising alternative cathode material for IT-SOFCs. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.