Sol-gel based alumina powders with catalytic applications

► Pure and Ni-doped Al2O3 sol-gel nanopowders were performed. ► The introduction of Ni dopant before or after hydrolysis influences the structure. ► Ni introduced after hydrolysis and physically combined with TiO2 ensures the synergistic performance. ► Our results could be a good start for the design of TiO2-NiO/Al2O3 combined materials.