Cobalt nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped porous carbon derived the electrodeposited ZnCo-ZIF for high-performance ORR electrocatalysts

•CoZn-ZIF precursor for the final Co@NC is prepared by a electrodeposition method.•As-prepared Co@NC catalyst displays a high half-wave potential of 0.895 V.•Our Co@NC shows the superior methanol-tolerance ability and excellent stability.•The superior ORR activity of the Co@NC is attributed to the stable core–shell structure.