Process and adsorbent for gas drying

An adsorbent and a process are disclosed for drying gases in a pressure swing dryer. The adsorbent comprises a pre-formed alumina particle with a thin layer of colloidal silica dispersed on the surface of the pre-formed alumina particle. Surprisingly the thin layer of colloidal silica does not interfere with the drying properties of the pre-formed alumina particle, while significantly improving the physical properties of the pre-formed alumina particle.