Pd nanoparticles (NPs) were generated inside the nanocrystalline mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 films of thickness similar to 2 mu m. The support gamma-Al2O3 films were prepared from boehmite sols derived from Al-alkoxide in presence of CTAB. The BET surface area (171 m(2)g(-1)) and pore size (4.3 nm) of the undoped gamma-Al2O3 films were found to be decreased to 139 m(2)g(-1) and 3.5 nm respectively after incorporation of Pd NPs. The films were characterized by GIXRD, cross-sectional FESEM, and TEM. TEM/GIXRD confirmed the existence of uniformly dispersed Pd NPs inside the gamma-Al2O3 films. The Pd NPs (average size similar to 4.1 nm)-incorporating mesoporous gamma-Al2O3 films were used as catalyst to reduce toxic Cr-VI compounds to non-toxic Cr-III in presence of formic acid as reducing agent at different temperatures (30, 40, 50 and 60 degrees C). This catalytic reduction process was monitored by UV-visible spectrometer. The rate constant value for the reduction was estimated to be 0.085 min(-1) at 50 degrees C. The same catalytic film can be used for three consecutive cycles by simple washing with water. The catalytic property started to deteriorate after the third cycle. The original catalytic property can be restored fully after heat-treatment of the used films at 300 degrees C in nitrogen atmosphere. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.