This West Virginia University project will focus on advancing the fundamental understanding of how solid oxide fuel cell cathodes operate such that their performance can be improved. The project will center around the role of material interfaces in determining electrochemical performance. Advanced physical characterization tools will be employed in support of a coordinated approach consisting of reaction modeling and a focus on a novel cathode material combination of Lanthanum Nickelate + Lanthanum Strontium Iron Cobalt Oxide. The results will be interpreted to determine the operation mechanisms and identify new material architectures thereby enabling improved fuel cell performance.