High-performance atomic Co/N co–doped porous carbon catalysts derived from Co–doped metal–organic frameworks for oxygen reduction

•Co-doped ZIF-8 is synthesized as precursor of high-performance CoNC catalyst.•Co is dispersed in the catalyst as atoms coordinated with N to form Co-NX moieties.•The catalyst has high Co-Nx content and high surface area up to 1230 m2 g−1.•The catalyst exhibits high ORR activity and stability in both acid medium.•In Zn/air battery, the cathodic performance of CoNC surpass the Pt/C catalyst.