Efficient and stable neutral zinc-air batteries by three-dimensional ordered macroporous N-doped carbon frameworks loading NiN4 active sites

•Three-dimensional ordered macroporous frameworks with NiN4 sites were obtained.•3DOM NiNC was highly efficiency for ORR and OER performances in neutral condition.•The neutral zinc-air batteries exhibited outstanding long term stability of 580 cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2.•The failure mechanism of air electrode in neutral condition was revealed.