We synthesized a novel copper-based oxygen reduction electrocatalyst by heat treating a mixture of reduced graphene oxides and a copper complex of 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole at 900 degrees C for only 45s. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of the synthesized catalyst revealed that the nitrogen (N) atoms coordinated to copper (Cu) atoms were doped into the sp2networks of graphene. In neutral solutions, the catalyst exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction, with an onset potential of 790 my. More importantly, the catalyst possesses high stability due to the anchoring of active Cu-sites into the graphene substrate via the Cu-N coordination bonds. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.