Fourier-transform infrared characterization of an aluminium nitride surface

Abstract

In order to identify the structure of the surface of AIN, an infrared study was conducted. AIN powder was thermally treated either under vacuum or under controlled atmospheres using probe molecules at different temperatures. The surface presented OH and NH groups originating from the hydrolysis of Al—N bonds as well as Al³⁺ Lewis-acid sites (Al³⁺ ions in both tetrahedral and octahedral coordination). Some Al—H bonds were also present.