The Co–N–P–C composite is synthesized via a facile chelate resin method and its oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is studied for the first time. The aminophosphonic acid chelate resin can easily coordinate with Co2+ to uniformly form an interlinked macromolecular network containing a Co–N–P–C structure. The Co–N–P–C, as a quaternary non-precious metal catalyst, displays better ORR activity in acidic media compared with Co–N–C. The material shows high stability with an onset potential of 0.98 V and a well-defined limiting current plateau for the ORR in acidic media. This method to prepare the Co–N–P–C catalyst is scalable to meet industrial requirements.
