2D metalorganic framework (MOFs) can be ideal sacrificial templates for fabricating nanomaterials because of active sites exposed on the surface rather than in pores and channels, often exhibiting improved performance in catalysis applications. In this study, the novel 2D layered cobalt-based MOF [Co(TPT)(fma)(H2O)(2)]center dot 3H(2)O (Co-MOF) has been constructed by the selection of high N atom content ligands. On this basis, a 2D nitrogen-doped carbon-coated cobalt nanoparticle composite (Co@NC) was prepared by using this MOF as a precursor. Magnetic Co@NC has excellent catalytic activity and recycling features regarding the reaction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reducing to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH4 at ambient temperature. 2D Co@NC-600 can reach nearly 100% conversion within 120 s and its stability remains almost unchanged after five reaction cycles. Moreover, this Co@NC catalyst also is highly active for catalytic reduction of dyes such as Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB).