In this work, we have successfully prepared urchin-like NiCo2O4 spheres via a facile hydrothermal method without any templates or surfactants. The as-prepared urchin-like NiCo2O4 spheres have uniform diameters of 6 mu m with numerous small nanorods radially-grown from the center. Typical nanorods have diameters of 20-50 nm and lengths of 2-3 mu m. Remarkably, urchin-like NiCo2O4 nanostructure as an alternative non-precious metal electrocatalyst for ORR exhibits catalytic performance and excellent cycling stability in alkaline environment. Crown Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.