Ab initio studies of Al, O, and O-2 adsorption on alpha-Al2O3 (0001) surfaces

The interactions of Al, O, and O-2 with different alpha-Al2O3 (0001) surfaces have been studied using ab initio density functional theory methods. All three surface terminations obtainable by cleaving the bulk structure [single Al-layer (AlO), double Al-layer (AlAl), and O terminations] have been considered, as well as a completely hydrogenated O-terminated surface. Adsorbed Al shows strong ioniclike interaction with the AlO- and O-terminated surfaces, and several metastable adsorption sites are identified on the O-terminated surface. On the completely hydrogenated surface, however, Al adsorption in the bulk position is found to be unstable or very weak for the studied configurations of surface H atoms. Atomic O is found to interact strongly with the AlAl-terminated surface, where also O-2 dissociative adsorption without any appreciable barrier is observed. In contrast, O adsorption on the AlO-terminated surface is metastable relative to molecular O-2. On the O-terminated surface, we find the creation of O surface vacancies to be plausible, especially upon exposure to atomic O at elevated temperatures. The results are mainly discussed in the context of alumina thin film growth and provide insight into phenomena related to, e.g., preferred adsorption sites and effects of hydrogen on the growth.