This article reports the fabrication of magnetically responsive Au nanoparticles supported on CoFe2O4 nanotubes through polyaniline (PANI) assisted self-assembly strategy which can be used as an efficient magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst. The central magnetic CoFe2O4 nanotubes possess a strong magnetic response under an externally magnetic field, enabling an easy and efficient separation from the reaction system for reuse. The thorn-like PANI layer on the surface of CoFe2O4 nanotubes provides large surface area for supporting Au nanocatalysts due to the electrostatic interactions. The as-prepared CoFe2O4/PANI/Au nanotube assemblies exhibit a high catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) at room temperature, with an apparent kinetic rate constant (K-app) of about 7.8 x 10(-3) s(-1). Furthermore, the composite nanocatalyst shows a good recoverable property during the catalytic process. This work affords a reliable way in developing multifunctional nanocomposite for catalysis and other potential applications in many fields. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.