Synthesis and characterization of monodisperse porous α-Al2O3 nanoparticles

► Monodisperse α-Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by the simple homogeneous precipitation method and subsequent heat-treatments. ► The particle size of porous α-Al2O3 nanoparticles can be controlled. The pore sizes of porous α-Al2O3 nanoparticles were approximately 6-14 nm. ► It is demonstrated that shrinkage and sintering of precursor particles resulted in the porous structure of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles. ► The monodisperse porous α-Al2O3 nanoparticles have great potential to be applied in gas separation, catalyst supports and filters in a high temperature environment.