Atomic-scaled cobalt encapsulated in P,N-doped carbon sheaths over carbon nanotubes for enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis under acidic and alkaline media.

A one-step in situ nanoconfined pyrolysis strategy was developed to anchor highly active single Co atoms on the P,N-doped porous carbon@carbon nanotube coaxial nanocables (Co-P,N-CNT), which exhibit remarkable enhanced ORR electrocatalytic activity in both acidic and alkaline media.