Highly dispersed iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) have been immobilized on structured supports of activated carbon fibers (ACF). Systematic catalyst characterizations suggest that ACF-based catalysts remain ultra-microporous after Fe2O3 NPs (similar to 2 nm) deposition. The structured nano-catalysts show high activity and chemoselectivity in reduction of different functionalized nitroarenes to the corresponding anilines giving yields of the target products close to 100%. The reaction takes place under mild conditions at normal pressure and low temperatures (<333 K) using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.