Ceramic multilayer membranes with a top layer of Al2O3-pillared montmorillonite were prepared. To deposit the top layer, a gamma-alumina membrane was first dipped in a montmorillonite suspension followed by a pillaring of the deposited clay layer. SEM analysis showed that very thin top layers were formed. The layer thickness increased with dipping time but could be limited to a few tenths of a micrometer. Although the top layer was very thin, gas permeation measurements indicated a high flow resistance. X-ray diffraction indicated that the low permeation was possibly due to an incomplete pillaring of the clay layer.