Abstract
A simple and green synthesis route was disclosed for the achievement of mesoporous alumina microparticles employing polysaccharide nanoparticles (a-chitin nanorods) as templates. Pore textures can be tuned by the cationic alumina precursor. Compared to small cations,the use of Al13 and Al30 oxo-hydroxo clusters leads to better defined and elongated mesopores. Electron microscopy and spectroscopic (13C, 27Al NMR, XPS) measurements demonstrated that this is related to the effective coating of a-chitin nanorods by these pre-condensed colloids.