FTIR analysis of the surface of nanostructured aluminium nitride powder prepared via chemical synthesis

Surface chemistry analysis of nanostructured aluminium nitride powder, obtained by a chemical synthesis method, has been conducted using FTIR spectroscopy. The study compared the spectra of the as-synthesized powder, the activated powder treated at temperatures from 573 to 873 K, the surface-deuteriated powder, and the powder treated under ammonia. Hydroxy and amine functional groups were determined on the surface of the as-synthesized powder. The activity and the types of these groups were examined. The surface analysis results were compared with those of γ-Al2O3. The unique surface characteristics of the nanostructured AlN are discussed.