Luminescence investigation of the surface states of η-alumina. Correlation with the infra-red study of the evolution of the surface hydroxyl groups

The two techniques of luminescence and of infra-red spectrophotometry have been used in an attempt to characterize surface states of η-alumina. Infra-red absorption bands of hydroxyl groups of different coordinations are observed, in agreement with previous results, and evolution of hydroxyl groups according to different treatments allows a luminescence at about 440–450 nm excited at 350–360 nm to be ascribed to these groups. Luminescence with an apparent maximum of 390 nm excited at 250 nm is attributed to internal vacancies, and luminescence with a maximum at 480–500 nm excited at 270–280 nm is attributed to surface vacancies.