Abstract: A process for preparing lithium aluminate of at least 95% gamma phase with surface areas greater than 10 m.sup.2 /g by homogeneously mixing a gamma lithium aluminate with surface area of less than 8 m.sup.2 /g with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 5 to 70% for at least 1/2 hour at a temperature greater than 0.degree. C. and less than 120.degree. C., the treated gamma lithium aluminate is dried by heating to a temperature greater than 200.degree. C. until dry and ground to produce a gamma-lithium aluminate with surface area greater than 10 m.sup.2 /g.