An efficient route to aqueous phase synthesis of nanocrystalline γ-Al2O3 with high porosity: From stable boehmite colloids to large pore mesoporous alumina

► Block copolymer directed synthesis of mesoporous γ-Al2O3. ► A strong increase of porosity occurs above the CMC of the copolymer. ► Pore size can be tailored by adjusting the EO/Al ratio or by adding swelling agents. ► Copolymer promotes the alignment of nanoparticles in a fibre-like morphology.