Highly efficient and non-precious catalysts are imperative for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to replace Pt/C.Anchoring efficient active species to carbon supports is a promising and scalable strategy.Here we synthesize Cu nanoparticles and noncrystalline CuNxCy species co-decorated ketjenblack (KB) carbon catalyst (denoted as Cu-N-KB-acid) by a facile and scalable method using copper sulfate,melamine,and KB as raw materials.An initial one-pot hydrothermal treatment is designed before pyrolysis process to achieve the good distribution of Cu and melamine on KB via a possible chelation effect.Owing to the synergistic effect of Cu and CuNxCy on KB,this composite catalyst displays excellent ORR catalytic activity in allkaline solution,which is comparable to the commercial 20％ Pt/C.When used as a catalyst in a home-made Al-air battery,it shows a stable discharge voltage of 1.47V at a discharge density of 50 mA cm-2,a little higher than that of Pt/C (1.45V).