Anew branched-dumbbell Pt/NiFe nanostructure was fabricated through a controllable microwave route followed by the element lithographic process. In this nanostructure, Pt nanoparticles (Nps) are embedding on the surface of NiFe branched-dumbbells. Owing to the three-dimensional (3D) hierachical framework with large surface area, Pt/NiFe branched-dumbbell nanostructure has an advantage for the reactant diffusion and transport. The synergistic action between the high catalytic selectivity of NiFe nanoalloy and the superior catalytic activity of Pt Nps can result in remarkably efficiency catalytic of Pt/NiFe branched-dumbbells toward the reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds under ambient atmosphere at room temperature. The morphologies, structures and properties were characterized by SEM, XRD, XPS, EDS, VSM, and UV-vis. Owing to the good soft-magnetic behavior, branched-dumbbell Pt/NiFe nanostructures can be easily separated and recycled by an external magnet field for application. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.