Synthesis and performance of Sr1.5LaxMnO4 as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell

► A-site non-stoichiometric solid solutions, Sr1.5LaxMnO4(x = 0.35, 0.40, 0.45) were prepared and employed as IT-SOFC cathode material. ► Sr1.5La0.35MnO4 cathode gave the lowest polarization resistance value of 0.25 Ω cm2 at 750 °C. ► The charge transfer process is the reaction rate limiting step for Sr1.5La0.35MnO4 cathode. ► The oxygen vacancies generated by the A-site La cation deficiencies promoted the oxygen reduction reaction on Sr1.5La0.35MnO4 cathode.