Seeking a Structure-Function Relationship for γ-Al2O3 Surfaces

The subject of this work is gamma alumina surfaces. We show that surface morphological variations can induce significant changes in work function and surface dipole particularly in regards of the surface oxidation level. Our results offer a new perspective on the structure-function relationship between surface morphology and electronic properties. For example, and for the first time in the literature, we uncover an interesting correlation between surface dipole and chemical reactivity of the surface active sites.