Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are functionalized with 2-pyrridone functional groups by wrapping poly(vinylpyrrolidone) polymers around it under high-powered sonication. The presence of 2-pyrridone functional groups facilitates the complexation of metal ions (Fe3+, Co2+). The best oxygen reduction catalyst. MWCNT-FeCo, is synthesized by annealing poly(vinylpyrroliclone)/MWCNTs/Fe-Co complex in ammonia at 900 degrees C and exhibits nearly four-electron oxygen pathway (n similar to 3.8). X-ray diffraction pattern shows that low loading of metallic Fe nanoparticles (0.79 wt.%) and bimetallic FeCo nanoparticles (0.34 wt.%) is formed on the MWCNT-FeCo catalysts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that similar to 1 at.% of nitrogen has been doped into MWCNT-FeCo catalysts. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.