Novel self assembly behavior for γ-alumina nanoparticles

► γ-Alumina nanoparticles were prepared with average diameters of about 3-7 nm. ► By using low concentration of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), self assembly of γ-alumina nanoparticles happened at room temperature in n-hexane, forming uniform and spherical granules in the range of 1-2 mm. ► Self assembly of the γ-alumina nanoparticles may be due to the selective adsorption of DMDS inside the micropores of the nanoparticles.