Formation of γ-alumina nanorods in presence of alanine

▶ Research highlights ▶ Boehmite was prepared using a green sol-gel process in the presence of alanine. ▶ Nanorod aluminas with a high surface area were obtained. ▶ Addition of alanine would shape the size of the holes and crevices. ▶ The morphologies of the nanorods were revealed by transmission electron microscope.