Trimethylaluminum (TMA)
Our recent advances in trimethylaluminum (TMA) production allow us to supply multiple purity grades tailored to the needs of semiconductor, solar cell and LED applications.
A Critical Component in Semiconductor, Solar Cell & LED Manufacturing
In semiconductor manufacturing, high-purity TMA is used as an aluminum precursor in ALD and CVD processes to form Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide) thin films, which are commonly used as high-k dielectric materials.
In solar cell production, solar-purity TMA is used in ALD or CVD processes to create Al₂O₃ passivation layers that can improve the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells.
In LED manufacturing, high-purity TMA is used in MOVPE or CVD processes to produce aluminum-containing compound semiconductor layers—such as AlGaN epitaxial (EPI) layers—as well as Al₂O₃ or AlN passivation layers, helping improve optical performance and illumination efficiency.
World-Class Production
Albemarle is one of the world’s largest high-volume producers of Trimethylaluminum (TMA)—an essential raw material used to make metal-organic precursors for atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) applications.
Recent advances in our TMA manufacturing process allow us to offer multiple purity grades tailored to the needs of the semiconductor, solar and LED industries. We verify product quality using advanced analytical methods, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). These techniques help ensure consistent performance and the ultra-high-purity levels required for electronics manufacturing.
A Global Leader
Albemarle operates the world’s largest metal alkyls plant, a world-class, integrated facility located in the United States on the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena, Texas. Our TMA-HP is made at the Process Development Center (PDC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while other TMA grades are manufactured in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
We have been producing metal organics at these facilities for over 50 years and have established a solid reputation in manufacturing, handling and shipping these highly volatile products.
The facilities are strategically located near several established distribution channels and serve as the cornerstone for our strong global supply chain.
Handling Procedures for Enhanced Safety
Metal organics are a highly volatile, pyrophoric water-reactive substance that must be handled with extreme caution. To demonstrate safe handling procedures and protect our employees, our customers and the public, Albemarle has developed a series of educational tools.
- Our on-site product stewardship seminars educate customers and local emergency response agents on the proper handling of metal organics.
- Our specialist-led operator training courses provide customers with technical assistance and input as customers prepare their facilities and staff for the introduction of our metal organic products.
- Our metal organics handling manual provides details on the properties and reactivity of metal organics, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid, fire control, container design, loading and unloading procedures and a host of other useful information.
Albemarle provides customers with around-the-clock support through our Emergency Response Program. In the event of an incident, our Emergency Response Coordinator is supports with essential product information, mobilize the appropriate internal specialists and coordinate with external emergency personnel to help ensure a timely, informed and effective response.
Safety in Shipping
Albemarle supplies organometallics either undiluted (neat) or diluted with hydrocarbons (blended). Laboratory cylinders are available in 0.4-gallon and 1-gallon sizes. For slightly larger quantities, 5-, 26- 119-gallon dual-valve cylinders and 500-gallon portable tanks are available.
For 26-gallon cylinders and smaller, the container is sold with the product. The 119-gallon cylinders and 500-gallon portable tanks are returnable to Albemarle.
Proper handling and personal protective equipment are imperative when handling organometallics. Please familiarize yourself with handling and safety hazards prior to handling organometallics.