N-doped resin supported cobalt nanoparticles for the catalytic reduction of nitroarenes to corresponding anilines in aqueous medium

•N-doped polymer supported cobalt catalyst was active for nitroarene reduction.•Both cobalt and cobalt oxide nanoparticles were detected on the catalyst.•The catalytically active species were cobalt nanoparticles.•Nitrogen centers on the polymer increased the catalytic activity of the system.•The catalytic system was recyclable up to five runs.