Effect of Cr2O3 loading on the properties and cracking activity of Pt/Cr2O3-ZrO2

•Effect of Cr2O3 on the properties and activity of Pt/Cr2O3-ZrO2 was studied.•IR study confirmed the presence of CrO stretching bands at 1035 and 1013cm−1.•For≤8wt% Cr2O3 loading, H2 tended to interact with O bonded to Cr at 1035cm−1.•For 8wt% Cr2O3 loading, H2 tended to interact with O bonded to Cr at 1013cm−1.•Pt/8Cr2O3-ZrO2 exhibited a highest catalytic activity in hydrocracking activities.