gamma-Al2O3 supports with large pore size were prepared by using rod-like ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (AACH) as precursors. The textural properties of supports are dependent on the different crystallinity of the as-prepared AACH. For investigating their catalytic performance, NiMo/gamma-Al2O3 hydrotreating catalysts were prepared by loading NiMo oxides on the supports and tested by using vacuum residue as reactant, and the results show that both pore structure and surface acid property of catalysts have significant influences on the catalytic activities for the hydrogenation and the removal of heteroatoms. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.