Xerogel formulations containing x = 3, 5, 10 and 14 mol% of alumina were prepared in the 15 mol% lithia - (85 - x) mol% silica system. The precursor for the silica was tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). Lithium and aluminum nitrates dissolved in water/ethanol mixtures were used for the other components. Bulk gels were dried for measurement of ionic conductivity, using ac complex impedance spectroscopy over the temperature range room temperature (23 degrees C) to 350 degrees C. A thin film was prepared, as well, on an electroded surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The conductivities of the thin film and the corresponding xerogel of the same composition were similar and showed the same temperature dependence. Conductivities were as high as 10(-6) S/cm and stable. The ionic conductivity at a given temperature increased with increasing substitution of alumina for silica.