Highly efficient metal-free catalysts to improve the performance of oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) have attracted significant attention. Here, nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon (NDAC) were synthesized with a one-step method that pyrolyzed dopamine in a N-2 atmosphere at 700 degrees C, 800 degrees C, and 900 degrees C (NDAC-700, NDAC-800, and NDAC-900, respectively). The NDAC-700 demonstrates good catalytic activity with terrific positive onset potential (0.96 V VS RHE), which is close to Pt-C (1.0 V) (20%) toward ORR. Moreover, versus commercial Pt/C (20%) catalyst, it has better long-term operational stability and tolerance to methanol for ORR in alkaline solution. This exciting result increases the possibility of large-scale application of metal-free nanomaterials in fuel cells. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.