In this report, chitosan (CS) was adhered on cellulose microfiber mat (CMM) to prepare CS-CMM. This was used as host for copper (Cu) nanoparticles preparation. After adsorption of Cue' ions from an aqueous solution of CuSO4, the metal ions entrapped in CS coating layer was treated with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to prepare Cu nanoparticles loaded CS-CMM (Cu/CS-CMM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of Cu/CS-CMM hybrid. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to reveal the morphology of the prepared catalyst. The prepared Cu/CS-CMM was employed as a catalyst for the degradation of nitro-aromatic compounds of 2-nitrophenol (2NP) and 4nitrophenol (4NP) as well as an organic cresyl blue (CB) dye. Remarkably, the turnover frequency in the case of 2NP and 4NP using Cu/CS-CMM reaches 103.3 and 88.6 h(-1), outperforming previously reported Cu nanoparticles immobilized in hydrogel-based catalytic systems. The rate constants for 2NP, 4NP and CB were 1.2 x 10(-3) s-1, 2.1 x 10-3 s-1 and, 1.3 x 10-3 s-1, respectively. Besides, we discussed the separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture and its re-usability. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.