The cobalt-free perovskite-oxide, Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3-delta (BSFC) is a very important cathode material for intermediate-temperature proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells. Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3-delta nanofibers were synthesized for the first time by a sol-gel electrospinning. Process wherein a combination of polyvinylpyrrolidone and acetic acid was used as the spinning aid and barium, strontium, iron and copper nitrates were used as precursors for the synthesis of BSFC nanofibers. X-ray diffraction studies on products prepared at different calcination temperatures revealed a cubic perovskite structure at 900 degrees C. The temperature of calcination has a direct effect on the crystallization and surface morphology of the nanofibers. High porosity, and surface area, in addition to an electrical conductivity of 69.54 S cm(-1) at 600 degrees C demonstrate the capability of BSFC nanofibers to serve as effective cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.