A RuddlesdenePopper nickelate, La2NiO4þd (LN), is examined as a coating material for metallic interconnects of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating at intermediate temperatures. Isothermal oxidation of the coated and uncoated SS430 alloy with and without preannealing at 850 � C in air suggests that the coating reduces significantly the oxidation rate and impact of thermal cycle on the integrity of the scale. After an annealing in air at 850 � C