Heteroatom doped microfibrous carbon having 3D networked structure has been synthesized by pyrolysis of poultry featherfiber (PFF) at different temperatures ranging between 400 and 1000 degrees C. Structural parameters, namely surface roughness of the PFF derived carbon (CNx) microfibers, concentrations and chemical states of the dopants, etc. have been found to vary significantly with pyrolysis temperature (T-p). Further, correlations between oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and the structural parameters have been investigated. High ORR activities of the CNx synthesized at T-p >= 800 degrees C are correlated with their high surface roughness and high fractions of ORR active functionalities. The CNx samples synthesized at T-p >= 800 degrees C exhibit ORR activity higher than that of Pt. This, combined with the networked structure, high electrochemical as well as thermal stabilities and cost-efficient synthesis of the CNx make it interesting ORR electrocatalyst for low-working temperature fuel cells. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.