Abstract: Provided are graphitic carbon materials and methods of making graphitic carbon materials. Also provided are compositions of the graphitic carbon materials with nanoparticles disposed thereon and methods of making the compositions. Also disclosed are devices utilizing the graphitic carbon materials and/or the compositions. The graphitic carbon materials are porous and have a desirable graphitic content. The graphitic materials may be nitrogen- and/or metal-doped. The nanoparticles may be platinum or platinum/transition metal nanoparticles. The compositions may be used in oxygen reduction reaction applications.