N-doped carbon nanotubes from functional tubular polypyrrole: A highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

•NCNTs were prepared from functional tubular PPy for the first time•NCNT-800 exhibits high ORR catalytic activity comparable to Pt/C•NCNT-800 shows superior methanol tolerance ability and durability over Pt/C

The present communication reports on the preparation of N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) by pyrolysis of FeCl3 and methyl orange (MO) co-doped functional tubular polypyrrole (PPy). As an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, NCNT-800 obtained at 800 °C exhibits high catalytic activity comparable to commercial Pt/C catalyst with superior methanol tolerance ability and durability in alkaline conditions.