Sr-doped LaCoO₃ (LSC) powders with a target composition La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO₃ have been synthesized through acetate–nitrate solution combustion process. The effect of NH₄NO₃ as an extra oxidant on the powder characteristics has been investigated. It was found that NH₄NO₃ helps in obtaining the powder in bulk with the improved powder characteristics such as fine particle size, higher surface area and sinterability. The powder obtained through using NH₄NO₃ has shown a particle size of 50–100nm and surface area of 14m²/g. The powder could be sinter