Two series of samples Pr1-xSrxMnO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) and Pr0.6-ySr0.4MnO3 (y=0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) were synthesized by a solid state reaction method. In the former series, the sample with x=0.4 exhibited the highest conductivity in the range of experimental temperature. Pr deficiency at the A site has a great effect on the properties of Pr0.6-ySr0.4MnO3 as a cathode of solid oxide fuel cells. Compared to the commonly used La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 cathode, Pr0.6-ySr0.4MnO3 has better properties of electrical conductivity, overpotential and impedance. Of all the samples, it is revealed that the one with y=0.05, Pr0.55Sr0.4MnO3 has the best performance in the measured temperature range. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.