Designed CoNi bimetallic catalysts on various supports were synthesized and tested for selective hydrogenation reactions. Amongst these, the newly developed CoNi@gC₃N₄ nanocatalyst demonstrated a unique reactivity profile. It was found to be most effective for selective hydrogenation of various chalcone derivatives and nitroarenes in the presence of other reducible functional groups such as halo, carbonyl, benzyl ether, cyclopropane, and isolated alkenes. The prepared bimetallic catalyst has advantages over the reported methods in terms of catalytic activity under mild conditions, selectivity, and reusability. The catalyst CoNi@gC₃N₄ has ability to selectively reduce nitro functional group to amine and allows formation of quinolines.