Influence of nitrogen doping on carbon nanotubes towards the structure, composition and oxygen reduction reaction

► NCNT synthesised from different nitrogen precursors. ► Investigate ORR mechanisms on NCNT via cyclic voltammetry. ► ORR active sample shows highest at% of pyridinic-N and N-oxides in NCNT. ► ORR on NCNT proceed via indirect four-electron transfer.