A catalyst PdxCuv/NC in which Pd-Cu alloy nanoparticles are superficially embeded in shell of surface-porousN-doped carbon nano-sphere was successfully devised for p-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB) selective hydrogenation.Bimetal ions were loaded inshell of a m-phenylenediamine derived core-shell polymer sphere and the catalyst was obtained after calcination under reducing atmosphere.The as synthesized catalyst exhibited high selectivity in hydrogenation of p-CNB to p-chloroaniline (p-CAN) (up to 98.8％) under full conversion and the performance was basically remained after 6 cyclic experiments.The reasons for the high selectivity were dis-cussed based on the characterization results of catalyst.The interaction between N-doped support and metal atoms affected the electron distribution in alloy,electron-deficient Pd and electron-rich Cu,and thus improved hydrogenation selectivity.In addition,the alloy nanoparticles were distributed only in the porous shell of support,which benefits to prevent side reactions.This work described a scheme for tactfully designing catalyst for selective hydrogenation,which can provide experience and inspiration for relevant works and fields.