Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes-supported PdNiCo nanoparticles as a highly efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of furfural

•Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes-supported PdNiCo alloy nanoparticles was prepared.•Electronic synergy effect existed between PdNiCo and N-CNTs in PdNiCo/N-CNTs.•Catalytic performance of PdNiCo/N-CNTs was much better than that of PdNiCo/CNTs.•PdNiCo/N-CNTs had excellent catalytic property due to weak basic sites and electronic effect.