Polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole p-toluenesulfonate (PPy/pTS) supported cobalt (Co) catalysts have been synthesized using in situ surfactant modified chemical oxidative polymerization. These catalysts have been characterized for their structure and electrocatalytic activity employing FT-IR, Raman, SEM, HRTEM, and electrochemical techniques. The influence of pTS on the morphology and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity has been discussed in respect of the formation of polaronic and bipolaronic species. The impact of these species on the electrochemical performance has been studied using continuous cycling in acidic media. Overall, PPy/pTS-Co is found to be the best suitable candidate among the catalysts synthesized for this study and can become an attractive substitute as a non-noble catalyst material for cathode applications in fuel cells. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2645-2651, 2013