PVP-assisted transformation of a metal-organic framework into Co-embedded N-enriched meso/microporous carbon materials as bifunctional electrocatalysts.

A PVP-assisted pyrolysis strategy that can simply but efficiently transform zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) into a Co-embedded N-enriched meso/microporous carbon material (Co-NC) is reported for the first time. Without further acid treatment, Co-NC can reach an excellent electroactivity and long-term durability toward the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER).