Nitrogen doped single-walled carbon nanohorns as Pt catalyst carrier: Balance of strong durability and high activity of ORR

• Nitrogen-doped single-walled carbon nanohorns (N-SWCNHs) serve as an effective Pt catalyst carrier, enhancing ORR activity and durability. • Optimal nitrogen doping level (2.1-4.3 at%) improves Pt dispersion and electronic interaction, leading to high onset potential (0.95 V) and minimal half-wave potential loss (2 mV after 3000 cycles). • The study demonstrates a balance between electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability, addressing key challenges in fuel cell catalyst degradation. • Findings provide design principles for Pt-based electrocatalysts, emphasizing the critical role of nitrogen doping in carrier materials.