Hollow spheres were synthesized from MCM-41 solid spheres by dry-gel conversion: It was found that water amount has a major impact on the formation of hollow spheres. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the hollow spheres are between 500 and 600 nm in size with a dense shell of ca. 100 nm. The synthesized hollow sphere sample was examined as a support for hydrodesulfurization catalyst. The sulfur removal was enhanced while olefin hydrogenation of FCC gasoline was suppressed, and thus, the octane value was preserved when the hollow spheres (Na type) were loaded with Ni and Mo oxides as catalyst. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.