▎ 摘　　要

Graphene-xerogel-based Co-N cathode catalyst (Co-N-GX) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was prepared through a simple approach. The Co-N-GX shows a more positive onset potential, higher cathodic density for the ORR in alkaline media than graphene-sheet-based Co-N catalyst (Co-N-GS), highlighting the importance of high specific surface area for improving the ORR performance. The proposed approach makes the Co-N-GX catalyst a non-precious metal cathode catalyst for fuel cells. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.