Abstract: An exhaust gas catalyst support having hollow channels lined with .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is formed by preparing an inorganic molding composition which actively hardens at 60.degree.-120.degree. C.; the molding composition containing an alkali silicate solution and a solid component reactive with the alkali silicate solution, which component can consist of an oxide mixture with contents of amorphous SiO.sub.2 and aluminum oxide and/or electrostatic precipitator ash from high-temperature coal-burning power plants and/or calcined ground bauxite and/or metakaolin; the hollow channels contained within the exhaust gas catalyst support are formed by reaction of aluminum rods or wires in the alkali silicate solution, with the simultaneous precipitation of alumina hydrate. In a subsequent heating step, the .gamma.-aluminum oxide lining is formed from the alumina hydrate, the lining serving for anchoring and fixation of a catalyst metal within the catalyst support.