LaCoO3: Promising cathode material for protonic ceramic fuel cells based on a BaCe0.2Zr0.7Y0.1O3−δ electrolyte

► Successful infiltration of LaCoO3 into a porous BCY27 after 6 infiltrations of 1 mol L−1 solution. ► Single phased LaCoO3 formed after 2 h at 600 °C in air. ► LaCoO3 does not degrade nor react with BCZY27 at temperatures up to 600 °C. ► Cathode ASR of 0.39 and 0.11 Ω cm2 in air, pH2O = 0.01 atm, at 500 and 600 °C respectively. ► Oxide ion conduction is not necessary in PCFC cathodes.