Identification and Characterization of Surface Hydroxyl Groups by Infrared Spectroscopy

Surface hydroxyl groups are active centers in many catalytic reactions and can play an important role during catalyst preparation. In this chapter, the application of infrared spectroscopy for identification and characterization of surface OH groups is reviewed. The potential of other techniques is also briefly described. The vibrational signature of various types of hydroxyls is discussed; however, the amount of information that can be gathered from the hydroxyl spectra itself is limited. In contrast, application of probe molecules allows a profound characterization of hydroxyl species. Two scenarios are considered: the formation of H-bonds between hydroxyl groups and probe molecules, and chemical reactions between hydroxyl groups and molecules or ions (such as protonation of basic probe molecules, exchange reactions, redox processes). Means to explore the accessibility and location of hydroxyl groups are introduced. The properties of OD and OH groups are compared, and the application of H/D exchange as a diagnostic reaction is discussed. Finally, the hydroxyl population on materials of practical interest is analyzed.