MCM-41 type materials containing Al and Ga (Al-Ga-MCM-41) were prepared by a synthesis gel using cethyltrimethylammonium chloride as surfactant. In the preparation, Si/(Al + Ga) ratios were 21, 27 and 32 in the gel, maintaining the concentration of Al constant. The structures of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of adsorbed pyridine, Al-27 MAS NMR, Si-29 MAS NMR and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX). Al-Ga-MCM-41 exhibited prominent characteristics as supports for the Ni-Mo-S type catalysts used in the hydrodesulfurization of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiphene (4,6 DMDBT). The presence of Ga was detected by TEM with a resolution of 1.9 angstrom point to point; therefore the Ga is in the lattice. The amount of Ga in the support enhanced the activity of the catalysts and modified the products distribution. The maximum catalytic activity and direct desulfurization capability was achieved on the catalyst NiMo/Al-Ga-MCM-41 with Si/(Al + Ga) = 32 molar ratio. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.