Bimetallic ZIFs derived nitrogen-doped hollow carbon with carbon nanotube bridges as a superior oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst

•Hollow-sphere N-doped porous carbons were derived from novel PS@MOF core@shell.•The CNTs were catalytically formed in H2/Ar atmosphere during pyrolysis of PS@MOF.•The hollow-sphere CoNC/CNT catalyst exhibited superb ORR activity and stability.•The ORR performance attribute to synergistic effect of structure and active site.•The h_CoNC/CNT catalysts exhibited comparable performance in the AEMFC system.