Geometric and electronic effects of Co@NPC catalyst in chemoselective hydrogenation: Tunable activity and selectivity via N,P co-doping

•Ionic liquids (IL) as a heteroatomic doping source is proposed.•N and P co-doping catalyst (Co@NPC) is synthesized by a simple method.•Co@NPC shows high catalytic performance in chemoselective hydrogenation.•N and P atoms display a synergistic effect of geometry and electrons in Co@NPC.•DFT calculation reveals the important role of di-heteroatoms doping.•Co@NPC can maintain its activity for 5 times cycle experiments.