Abstract: Alumina with low apparent density was prepared by continuous concurrent gelation process with aluminum sulfate[Al<SUB>2</SUB>(SO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB>] and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as raw materials.XRD,TEM,nitrogen adsorption-desorption,mercury porosimetry,and TG-DSC were employed to characterize crystal phase,morphology,specific surface area,and pore size distribution of the prepared samples.Influences of reaction pH,OH<SUP>- </SUP>concentration,and reaction time on apparent density and surface area were discussed.Results showed the better preparation conditions were:Al<SUP>3+</SUP> concentration of 0.5 mol/L,OH<SUP>-</SUP>concentration of 1.2 mol/L,gelation pH of 9,reaction temperature of 65 ℃,neutralization reaction time of 60 min and aging time of 120 min.Under those conditions,the obtained alumina carriers exhibited the characteristics of having apparent density not less than 0.32 g/mL,surface areas not more than 200 m<SUP>2</SUP>/g,and total pore volume not less than 1.2 mL/g.In addition,pore volume of the pores whose pore radius greater than 100 nm accounted for over 50% of the total pore volume.