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Mechanistics of early stage growth of AlN on alumina: TMAl and NH[sub 3]

Journal Article · · Chemistry of Materials; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cm00027a025· OSTI ID:6951292
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Washington, Seattle (United States)

The reactions of trimethylaluminum and ammonia on [gamma]-alumina were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to explore their feasibility as precursors for the low-temperature growth of AlN thin films. Trimethylaluminum reacts with hydroxyl groups on the alumina surface to form primarily a dimethylaluminum species singly bound to oxygen. When this species is subsequently exposed to ammonia at room temperature, a weakly bound ammonia: aluminum alkyl adduct is formed, along with amide (-NH[sub 2]-) covalently bonded to aluminum, formed by the hydrogenation of one of the methyl groups. Upon heating to 820 K, the -NH[sub 2]- remains on the surface, while the ammonia and the majority of the methyl groups are desorbed. These data indicate that a stable Al-N complex can be created on alumina at room temperature; however, the reaction probability is quite low. 43 refs., 5 figs.

OSTI ID:
6951292
Journal Information:
Chemistry of Materials; (United States), Journal Name: Chemistry of Materials; (United States) Vol. 5:3; ISSN CMATEX; ISSN 0897-4756
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English