Abstract: Rechargeable metal-air batteries have attracted significant attention due to their ability to cyclically convert electrical energy into chemical energy, with broad potential to replace traditional metal-ion batteries. However, the practical application of these batteries faces challenges such as the slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction and the high cost and poor stability of Pt/C metal catalysts. In this study, we propose a cost-effective synthesis method for a cathode catalyst designed for zinc-air batteries. Utilizing nitrogen-rich ammonium benzoate as a precursor, we successfully synthesized a ZnO-modified carbon-based nanocomposite electrocatalyst (ZnO/NC-800) through a one-pot pyrolysis process. Electrochemical tests reveal that this catalyst demonstrates excellent catalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline electrolytes, showing remarkable activity, stability and safety. When employed as the cathode in zinc-air batteries, the ZnO/NC-800 catalyst exhibits superior performance comparable to carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C).