In this study, ZrP2O7 catalytic nanomaterials were prepared by co-precipitation and polyvinylpyrrolidone assisted methods. These nanomaterials were structurally characterized by XRD, N-2 adsorption/desorption, TGA, SEM and TEM microscopy techniques. This study investigated the application of these nanomaterials in the synthesis of various beta-amino carbonyls via a one-pot-three-component condensation of aldehydes, ketones and amines. As a result, high efficiency was obtained in a water-ethanol mixed solvent at room temperature. Under the optimized conditions, the catalyst prepared via the PVP assisted method exhibited higher catalytic activity and higher diastereoselectivity when compared to the catalyst prepared by co-precipitation. Moreover, the ZrP2O7 catalysts were easily recovered and reused several times with only a slight loss of activity. At the conclusion of this study, a possible mechanism of the Mannich reaction over ZrP2O7 catalysts was also proposed and discussed. Graphical abstract [GRAPHICS] .