A novel green controlled synthesis method is proposed in this paper. Mesoporous alumina was prepared by using sodium aluminate extracted from red mud as an aluminum source. The influence mechanism of temperature, template agent and sodium aluminate concentration on MA properties was studied systematically. The results show that the prepared mesoporous γ-alumina has a good catalytic activity of short-range arrangement, medium acidity, narrow pore size distribution, thermal stability and hydrothermal stability. This economical and green synthesis method can also be used to prepare other mesoporous or porous materials.