Iron- and cobalt-containing nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes are prepared using pyrolysis of dicyandiamide and CoCl2 or FeCl3 at 800 degrees C. The electroreduction of oxygen is studied in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution by the rotating disk electrode method and the surface morphology and composition of the catalysts are characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopies and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as-prepared catalysts show mediocre electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which increases as a result of acid treatment and second pyrolysis. The electrocatalytic activity of Fe-containing catalyst towards the ORR surpasses that of Co-based material and it supports a 4-electron reduction of O-2. Co-containing catalyst, in turn, shows higher stability. Both catalysts are highly methanol tolerant in acid media. The transition metal-containing N-doped carbon materials are promising cathode catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.