The cost of platinum is one of the major obstacles in the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Non-precious metal catalysts (NPMC) as an inexpensive substitute for platinum have been viewed as the only long-term solution to the problem. In this paper, we introduce new precursors used to synthesize NPMC active sites through metal-assisted polymerization of nitrogen-containing, aromatic molecules. Results of electrochemical characterization, which was performed in a real fuel cell environment, with emphasis on the activity of the catalyst are presented. Catalytic activity among the highest in the NPMC area was obtained when using 4-nitroaniline as a precursor. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.