Hydroxylated α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) surfaces and metal/α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) interfaces

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was applied to study the hydroxylation of α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) surfaces and the stability of surface OH groups. The evolution of interfacial chemistry of the α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) surfaces and metal/α-Al2O3 (0 0 0 1) interfaces are well illustrated via modifications of the surface O1s spectra. Clean hydroxylated surfaces are obtained through water- and oxygen plasma treatment at room temperature. The surface OH groups of the hydroxylated surface are very sensitive to electron beam illumination, Ar+ sputtering, UHV heating, and adsorption of reactive metals. The transformation of a hydroxylated surface to an Al-terminated surface occurs by high temperature annealing or Al deposition.