O presente trabalho estuda a degradação fotocatalítica da nicotina em solução aquosa, um alcaloide altamente tóxico que tem sido detectado em efluentes, águas subterrâneas e água mineral. Os experimentos foram realizados em um reator batelada sob irradiação ultravioleta, tendo sido avaliadas três principais variáveis: concentração inicial do contaminante, concentração de catalisador e pH inicial da solução. Foram realizados dois planejamentos de experimentos para os catalisadores comerciais ZnO e TiO2, com o objetivo de encontrar a melhor condição para promover a degradação da nicotina em água. Outros catalisadores, preparados a partir de resíduos industriais e laboratoriais, foram testados nas condições otimizadas. O método analítico empregado para quantificar a nicotina nas amostras foi a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, o que permitiu registrar a formação de intermediários e subprodutos de reação. Os resultados experimentais demostraram que a degradação da nicotina por fotocatálise heterogênea é um processo bastante eficiente. Em ambos os planejamentos, o pH foi a variável que exerceu o maior efeito sobre a degradação, sendo este fortemente positivo. Já a concentração inicial de nicotina exerceu efeito negativo sobre a resposta e a concentração de catalisador em suspensão exibiu um ponto ótimo, que correspondeu a 0,91 g.L-1 para o ZnO, e 1,20 g.L-1 para o TiO2. Ensaios foram realizados nas condições otimizadas encontradas, onde cerca de 98% da molécula foi degradada utilizando ZnO em suspensão e 88% empregando TiO2, em uma hora de reação. A degradação fotocatalítica da nicotina demonstrou seguir uma cinética de pseudoprimeira ordem dentro do tempo de reação de 60 minutos, para os dois catalisadores comerciais. Entre os catalisadores não convencionais que foram testados, aquele que demonstrou o maior percentual de degradação foi obtido a partir de resíduo de uma indústria petroquímica, cerca de 43%. / The present work studies the photocatalytic degradation of nicotine in aqueous solution. This alkaloid is highly toxic and it has been detected in wastewater, groundwater and mineral water. The experiments were performed in a batch reactor under ultraviolet radiation. Three main variables of process were evaluated: initial concentration of pollutant, catalyst concentration and initial pH of the solution. Two experimental designs were performed for commercial catalysts ZnO and TiO2. The purpose was to find the best condition to promote the nicotine degradation in water. Other catalysts prepared from industrial and laboratory waste were tested under the optimized conditions. Analytical method used to quantify nicotine and its degradation products in all samples was high performance liquid chromatography. Experimental results showed that nicotine degradation by heterogeneous photocatalysis is a very efficient process. In both designs, initial pH was the most significant variable which has a strong positive effect. Initial nicotine concentration showed a negative effect, and catalyst concentration exhibited an optimal value for both commercial catalysts: 0,91 g.L-1 using ZnO, and 1,20 g.L-1 with TiO2. At the best conditions, about 98% of the molecule was degraded using ZnO and 88% with TiO2. Photocatalytic nicotine degradation followed a pseudo first order kinetic until 60 minutes of reaction for both commercial catalysts. Among the non-conventional catalysts tested, the one prepared from a petrochemical industry residue exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation, about 43%.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The aim of this study was to enrich electrospun fibres with the active mineral phase TiO2 nanoparticles and then to evaluate how well the composite fibres performed in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB). Electrospun hydrophobic PAN polymer fibres were used as support structures for the TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 enriched fibres for dye degradation was evaluated and the effect of external stressors on the fibres was assessed. A comparison was also made to determine whether the TiO2 - photocatalyst catalyst should be coated on top of, or loaded inside the electrospun PAN fibres

A união estrutural entre o tecido ósseo e a superfície do implante é definida como osseointegração. O sucesso deste processo depende tanto de fatores relacionados à característica física do implante, bem como de fatores sistêmicos e biológicos responsáveis pela formação e manutenção do tecido perimplantar. O processo de osseointegração pode ser comprometido por inúmeros fatores de risco: fumo, baixa qualidade e quantidade de tecido ósseo e morbidades sistêmicas, como o diabetes. Contudo, mesmo em condições excelentes, por vezes, não há a formação de tecido ósseo em plenitude ao redor da superfície implantar. A falha na osseointegração pode ocorrer precoce ou tardiamente ocasionando a perda do implante. A fotofuncionalização por irradiação de luz ultravioleta (UV) tem sido reportada recentemente como um método capaz de modificar a superfície do titânio e aumentar sua capacidade osteocondutora. A irradiação com luz ultravioleta (UV) tem sido proposta como método para reverter o processo de envelhecimento do titânio. Contudo a intensidade, tempo de exposição e comprimento de onda que proporcionam os melhores resultados ainda não foram esclarecidos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da fotocatálise por luz UVC sobre o envelhecimento do titânio e analisar alterações de estrutura e de capacidade biológica in vitro do titânio irradiado em diferentes tempos de exposição. Metodologia: Foi desenvolvida uma câmara para fotofuncionalização de titânio com características distintas das apresentadas no mercado. A amostra foi composta por discos de titânio irradiados em diferentes tempos de exposição à luz ultravioleta (0, 15, 30, 60 minutos). Os discos foram testados quanto à molhabilidade de superfície (ângulo de contato com água), a topografia (microscopia eletrônica de varredura- MEV) e composição química (espectroscopia de fotoelétrons excitados por raio-x – XPS), adesão celular (cultura celular e MEV) e viabilidade por SRB. Resultados: O tratamento por luz UVC promoveu alterações nas características de superfície do titânio, como aumento da molhabilidade e remoção de hidrocarbonetos da superfície após 15 minutos de exposição na câmara desenvolvida. As características biológicas do material também parecem ter sofrido alterações, com melhora na capacidade de adesão e viabilidade. Conclusões: A fotofuncionalização do titânio provou ser eficaz para o tratamento de superfícies envelhecidas neste estudo, com significativas modificações na estrutura química superficial e na capacidade biológica do material. / The structural union between the bone tissue and the implant surface is defined as osseointegration. The success of this process depends both on factors related to the physical characteristics of the implant, as well as the systemic and biological factors responsible for the formation and maintenance of perimplant tissue. The process of osseointegration can be compromised by numerous risk factors: smoking, poor quality and quantity of bone tissue and systemic morbidities, such as diabetes. However, even in excellent conditions, sometimes there is no formation of bone tissue in fullness around the implant surface. Failure to osseointegration may occur early or late leading to implant loss. Photofunctionalisation by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation has recently been reported as a method capable of modifying the titanium surface and increasing its osteoconductive capacity. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has been proposed as a method to reverse the aging process of titanium. However the intensity, time of exposure and wavelength that provide the best results have not yet been clarified. The Aim: of this study was to evaluate the effects of photocatalysis by UVC light on aging of titanium and to analyze changes in structure and in vitro biological capacity of irradiated titanium at different exposure times. Methodology: A titanium photofunctioning chamber has been developed with characteristics different from those presented in the market. The sample was composed of titanium disks irradiated in different times of exposure to ultraviolet light (0, 15, 30, 60 minutes). The discs were tested for surface wettability (water contact angle), topography (SEM-scanning electron microscopy) and chemical composition (x-ray excitation photoelectron spectroscopy), cell adhesion (cell culture and SEM) and viability by SRB. Results: UVC treatment promoted changes in titanium surface characteristics, such as increased wettability and removal of hydrocarbons from the surface after 15 minutes of exposure in the developed chamber. The biological characteristics of the material also appear to have changed, with improved adhesion and viability. Conclusions: Photofunctional titanium has proved to be effective for the treatment of surfaces aged in this study, with significant modifications in the surface chemical structure and biological capacity of the material.

A presença de defeitos intrínsecos na estrutura do óxido de zinco possibilita a sua dopagem com outros materiais, como o bismuto. O óxido de zinco dopado com bismuto (BZO) preparado via síntese hidrotermal assistida por microondas (MAHS) foi estudado em relação à sua concentração de dopante e caracterização morfológica. Para a síntese do BZO foi realizada pela reação de uma solução de nitrato de zinco (precursor) e nitrato de bismuto, usando com hidróxido de amônio para ajuste do pH. Para realizar a reação, a solução de nitrato de zinco foi foi aquecida em um microondas por intervalos de 5, 10 e 20 minutos a 200ºC. A dopagem foi realizada com 3 diferentes teores em massa nitrato de bismuto (1, 3 e 6%). Os produtos obtidos foram caracterizados por DRX, MEV e PL, assim como pelo cálculos de band gap por espectroscopia de transmissão. A atividade fotocatalítica foi analisada por ensaios de fotocatálise utilizando corantes orgânicos, azul de metileno (AM) e Rodamina B (RhB). Os resultados indicam que as nanoestruturas de BZO obtidas apresentam tamanhos de cristalitos variando de 5,82 a 8,37 nm. A estrutura morfológica, tipo flor, foi formada com diferentes concentrações de dopantes. Os resultados do PL demonstram que os defeitos aumentam com a dopagem do bismuto. O intervalo de band gap encontrado foi de 2,79 a 3,3 eV e tem potencial de uso em aplicações de fotodegradação. Neste sentido a dopagem de bismuto modificou positivamente o óxido de zinco, já que nos ensaios de fotocatálise, o BZO degradou ambos os corantes, sendo a amostra com 3% de dopagem de bismuto a que obteve os melhores resultados, chegando a degradar 68% do corante de Rodamina B em 1 hora. / Zinc oxide, due to the presence of intrinsic defects, allows doping with other materials, such as bismuth. BZO (zinc oxide doped bismuth), prepared by microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS), was studied dopant concentration and morphological characterization. For the synthesis, zinc nitrate was used as a precursor; for pH control, ammonium hydroxide was used. After the solution was heated in a microwave for 5, 10 and 20 minutes at 200 ° C. Doping was performed with 3 different mass contents of bismuth nitrate (1, 3 and 6%). The products were characterized by DRX, MEV and PL; Band gap calculations by transmission spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was analyzed by photocatalysis using organic dyes, methylene blue (AM) and Rhodamine B (RhB). The results indicate that BZO nanostructures were obtained with crystallite sizes ranging from 5.82 to 8.37 nm. The same morphological structure, flower type, was formed with different dopants concentrations. PL demonstrates that defects increase with doping of bismuth. The band gap found was from 2.79 to 3.3 eV and has potential use in photodegradation applications. In this sense, the bismuth doping positively modified the zinc oxide, in the photocatalysis tests BZO degraded both dyes, being the sample with 3% doping of bismuth that obtained the best results, reaching to degrade 68% of the Rhodamine B dye in 1 hour.

Ce mémoire décrit la synthèse de quinze photosensibilisateurs à base de cuivre pourvus de ligands organiques de type diimines et/ou diphosphines en vue de leur application en synthèse organique. Ces complexes ont été caractérisés par spectroscopie (RMN 1H, 13C et UV-Vis), spectrométrie de masse à haute résolution, fluorimétrie (d’absorption, d’émission et de déclin de phosphorescence) ainsi que par voltampérométrie cyclique. Leurs performances en synthèse organique en tant que photosensibilisateur ont finalement été testées à travers deux processus photocatalytiques différents : un transfert couplé d’électron et de proton ainsi qu’un transfert d’énergie. Les rendements et les propriétés photophysiques des composés ainsi obtenus, ont été rationalisés et comparés à une banque de données collectées pour des molécules similaires. / The present thesis describes the synthesis of fifteen organocopper-based photosensitizers bearing organic diimine and/or diphosphine type ligands. The complexes have been characterized by spectroscopy (1H, 13C NMR and UV-Vis), high resolution mass spectrometry, fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. They also have been evaluated in two different photocatalytic processes including: a proton-coupled electron transfer and an energy transfer. Trends in yields and photophysical data have been examined and compared with other photosensitizers.

Grâce à ses propriétés optiques originales, une NanoParticule d’Or (NPO) excitée peut se comporter comme une nano-source de lumière, de chaleur et d’électrons chauds. Ces propriétés plasmoniques remarquables sont exploitées dans de nombreuses transformations chimiques. Dans ce contexte, la photocatalyse plasmonique basée sur le transfert d’électrons entre une NPO et un semi-conducteur a été proposée. Cependant, peu d’études sont centrées sur l’influence du plasmon et la contribution respective de ses effets locaux (thermiques et électroniques) sur ce transfert utilisé en photocatalyse. Ici, nous abordons ces problématiques à travers 3 réactions catalytiques. Premièrement, nous montrons la faisabilité de l'oxydation efficace et sélective de glycérol sans aucune source externe de chaleur grâce à l’effet thermoplasmonique local de la NPO. Nous étudions ensuite la dégradation de bisphénol-A sur différents supports catalytiques. Nos résultats montrent que la NPO joue un rôle primordial à travers le transfert d’électrons mais aussi en tant que nano-source de chaleur permettant d’accélérer la cinétique et d’éliminer ainsi totalement et rapidement ce perturbateur endocrinien. Enfin, nous avons développé un montage optique pour étudier la dégradation de polluants à l'échelle nanométrique. Pour cela, nous avons réalisé un système hybride à base de NPOs couplées à un nanofilm de TiO2 par structuration laser. Nos travaux montrent que l’activité catalytique est corrélée aux dimensions structurales des NPOs. Ces résultats ouvrent la voie vers l'exploitation de nombreux processus industriels sous lumière solaire / The excitation of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) of Gold NanoParticles (GNPs) can give many physical effects such as near-field enhancement, heat generation and hot electron injection, which have been investigated in many chemical transformations. In that context, the plasmonic photocatalysis based on electron transfer from GNP to a semi-conductor has been proposed. However, few studies are focused on the influence of LSPR features and the respective contribution of its local effects (thermal and electronic) on the photocatalytic activity. These issues are addressed herein through 3 catalytic reactions. First, the efficient and selective oxidation of glycerol in the presence of supported GNPs is demonstrated under laser irradiation and without any external source of heat, thanks to the local heat generation and hot electron transfer. The respective contributions of these effects is further investigated in plasmonic photocatalysis by following the degradation of Bisphenol-A. Our results show that GNP plays a major role through hot electron transfer but also as a nano-source of heat that accelerates the reaction and leads to a fast and total elimination of this endocrine disruptor. Finally, an optical set-up is developed for studying the plasmonic photocatalysis at the nanoscale. For this, a hybrid system of GNPs coupled to a TiO2 nanofilm is realized by laser nanostructuring. Our investigations show that photocatalytic activity is correlated to the LSPR (size and shape of GNPs, hot spots). These results open the way for exploiting valuable and industrial reactions under solar light

Orientador: Leinig Antônio Perazolli / Resumo: O presente trabalho buscou desenvolver fotocatalisadores cerâmicos por meio da produção de heterojunções inovadoras à base de SrTiO3, TiO2 e CaO, que tiveram suas fotoatividades avaliadas pela descoloração do corante Rodamina B (RhB) e pela obtenção de biodiesel, utilizando luz ultravioleta. As amostras TiO2, CaO e SrTiO3 foram obtidas pelo método de precursores poliméricos, método Pechini, e as heterojunções TiO2/SrTiO3, CaO/SrTiO3 e CaO/CaTiO3 foram preparados por rota sol-gel. Após síntese e tratamento térmico, as amostras foram caracterizadas por difração de Raios-X (DRX) para verificar as fases cristalinas formadas, por espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de fourier (FT-IR) e termogravimetria/análise térmica diferencial (TG/DTA) para verificar e quantificar a formação de CaCO3 e Ca(OH)2, por espectroscopia de refletância difusa (UV/Vis/NIR DRS) para determinar a energia de band gap, por Brunauer, Emmett e Teller (B.E.T.) para determinar a área específica, por microscopia eletrônica de varredura acoplada a espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de Raios-X (FE-SEMEDS) para estimar o tamanho das partículas, sua morfologia e composição elementar, por espectroscopia de fotoelétrons excitados por Raios-X (XPS) para conhecer a composição elementar presente na superfície da amostra e seus estados de oxidação, por espectroscopia de fotoluminescência (PL) para verificar a formação de defeitos estruturais, por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão de alta resolução (HRTE... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The present work aimed to develop ceramic photocatalysts through the production of innovative SrTiO3, TiO2 and CaO based heterojunctions, which had their photoactivities evaluated by the discoloration of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and by obtaining biodiesel using UV light. TiO2, CaO and SrTiO3 samples were obtained by polymeric precursor method, Pechini method, and TiO2/SrTiO3, CaO/SrTiO3 and CaO/CaTiO3 heterojunctions were prepared by sol-gel route. After synthesis and heat treatment, the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to verify the crystalline phases formed, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) to verify and quantify the formation of CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/Vis/NIR DRS) to determine band gap energy, Brunauer, Emmett e Teller (B.E.T.) to determine specific area, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDS) to estimate particle size, morphology and elemental composition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to know the elemental composition present on the sample surface and oxidation states, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) to verify the formation structural defects, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) to confirm the formation of heterojunction. Rhodamine B discoloration was measured by UV/Vis molecular absorption spectroscopy and the conversion of oil to biodiesel was analyz... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

La photocatalyse se base sur l’excitation d’un semi-conducteur par des photons d’énergie supérieure ou égale à son gap, générant des paires électron-trous. Celles-ci sont très réactives et susceptibles de réagir à l’interface pour réaliser par exemple l’oxydation totale d’un composé organique. Cette méthode peut être appliquée sur des eaux usées pour éliminer totalement les polluants organiques qui y sont présents. Dans la perspective d’une utilisation du soleil comme source de lumière, cette méthode peut s’avérer très économique et écologique pour le traitement de l’eau.L’interaction lumière-semi-conducteur et la dynamique des porteurs de charge sont des processus physico-chimiques primordiaux pour la photocatalyse, et il est nécessaire de bien les comprendre pour maîtriser le procédé et développer des matériaux plus efficaces. La Time Resolved Microwave Conductivity (TRMC) est une technique qui se base sur la réflexion des micro-ondes sur un semi-conducteur excité qui est directement reliée avec le nombre de porteurs de charge photo-générés. Il s’agit d’un moyen de sonder en temps réel la dynamique des porteurs de charge dans les semi-conducteurs.Ce travail s’inscrit dans le cadre du projet ANR PhotoNorm. Il consiste en une étude par TRMC de dioxyde de titane TiO2 utilisé pour la dépollution de l’eau par photocatalyse. Une partie de cette étude concerne la caractérisation des propriétés opto-électroniques des matériaux, pour lesquels la dynamique des porteurs de charge sera comparée à l’activité photocatalytique. L’effet bénéfique en photocatalyse de la déposition de nanoparticules d'or, d'argent ou bimetallique or-cuivre sur des TiO2 commerciaux sera relié à une capture d’électrons libres observée en TRMC. L’effet bénéfique sur la photocatalyse en lumière visible a été relié à une injection d’électrons dans le TiO2 par des nanoparticules de bismuth. L’autre partie de ce travail consiste en une étude plus fondamentale de la dynamique des porteurs de charge dans des TiO2 commerciaux ou synthétisés dans le cadre du projet PhotoNorm. Il y sera montré l’importance de la longueur d’onde et de l’intensité d’excitation du matériau sur le rendement de génération de porteurs de charge. L’importance des effets de surface et de l’environnement seront aussi mis en évidence de plusieurs façons. La première consiste simplement en un traitement chimique de la surface (lavage), qui peut avoir une grande influence à la fois sur la dynamique des porteurs de charge et sur la photocatalyse, sûrement en lien avec la présence d’impuretés de surface. La seconde consiste à imprégner le TiO2 par des colorants organiques présentant une forte absorption en lumière visible. Les mesures de TRMC sur ces systèmes permettent de mettre en évidence l’interaction entre le semi-conducteur et les molécules extérieures adsorbées à sa surface, notamment l’injection d’électrons du colorant excité vers le semi-conducteur, mais aussi des effets de recombinaison accrus. La troisième méthode consiste à modifier l’atmosphère de travail en TRMC. Il y est observé notamment l’importance de l’oxygène sur la dynamique des porteurs de charge, et notamment les effets de captures d’électrons, phénomènes qui entrent en jeu dans le processus de photocatalyse.Au final, la TRMC s’avère être un bon moyen d’étude de la durée de vie des porteurs de charge dans les semi-conducteurs, qui peut permettre de mieux comprendre les processus fondamentaux associés à la photocatalyse. / The photocatalysis is based on the excitation of semiconductor by photons with an energy superior or equal to the gap, generating electron-hole pairs. These are very reactive and able to react at the interface, involving for exemple the total oxidation of an organic compound. This method can be used on wastewater to eliminate the organic pollutants. With a view to use the sun as a light source this method may become an economical and ecological way for the water treatment. Light interaction between light and semiconductor and the charge-carrier dynamics are fundamental processes for photocatalysis and it is necessary to understand them in order to manage with this process and develop more efficient materials. The Time Resolved Microwave Conductivity (TRMC) is a method based on the reflexion of microwaves on an excited semiconductor which is linked to the number of photo-generated charge-carriers. This method allows us to probe in real time the charge-carrier dynamics in semiconductor. This work is included in the ANR Photonorm project. It consists in a TRMC study on titanium dioxyde TiO2 used for water depollution by photocatalysis. One part of this study consists in the characterization of the opto-electronic properties of materials for which the charge-carrier dynamics will be compared with the photocatalytic activity. The beneficial effect of nanoparticles deposition of gold, silver or gold-copper bimetallics on commercial TiO2 will be linked to the observation of free electrons observed by TRMC . The beneficial effect on photocatalysis in visible light was linked to an electron injection in TiO2 by bismuth nanoparticles. The second part of this work consists in a more fundamental study of charge-carrier dynamics on commercial or synthetized for the Photonorm project. I will be shown the importance of excitation wavelength and intensities on charge carrier generation. The importance of surface effect and environment will be emphasized by several ways. The first one just consist in surface treatment which can have a major importance on charge-carrier dynamics and photocatalysis, probably in connection with the presence or not of impurities on the surface. The second way consists in impregnating TiO2 by organic dyes which show a strong visible light absorption. The TRMC measurements highlight the interaction between the adsorbed molecules and the semiconducteur, including the electron injection from the excited dye to the TiO2 but also an increased recombination effect. The third method consist in modified the working atmosphere in TRMC. The major role of oxygen is so observed on charge-carrier dynamics, with an effect of electron capture, involving in photocatalytic mechanism.Finally TRMC proves to be a convenient method for studying charge-carrier dynamics in semiconductors, which allow a better understanding of fundamental processes bound to photocatalysis.

Bis(1,3,7,9-tetramethyl-5-mesityldipyrrinato)zinc(II) (ZnDPY) was synthesized in the lab by the McCusker group and a procedure was created to analyze its ability as a photosensitizer, a molecule that provides the energy for the reaction to occur by capturing light energy and turning it into a form that can be used by the photocatalyst. While more work is needed, preliminary steps have been made to create a process that can analyze the amount of carbon monoxide produced by a photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction with ZnDPY as the photosensitizer. Progress has been made via the setup of a reaction apparatus, targeted gas chromatography (GC) peak separation, and GC calibration. More work will need to be done in order to determine the optimal reaction mix to showcase the sensitizer’s potential.

Las especies de metal con diferentes tamaños (átomos individuales, nanocristales y nanopartículas) muestran un comportamiento catalítico diferente para diversas reacciones catalíticas heterogéneas. Se ha demostrado en la bibliografía que muchos factores que incluyen el tamaño de partícula, la forma, la composición química, la interacción metal-soporte, la interacción metal-reactivo / disolvente, pueden tener influencias significativas sobre las propiedades catalíticas de los catalizadores metálicos. Los desarrollos recientes de metodologías de síntesis bien controladas y herramientas de caracterización avanzada permiten correlacionar las relaciones a nivel molecular. En esta tesis, he llevado a cabo estudios sobre catalizadores metálicos desde átomos individuales hasta nanoclusters y nanopartículas. Al desarrollar nuevas metodologías de síntesis, el tamaño de las especies metálicas puede modularse y usarse como catalizadores modelo para estudiar el efecto del tamaño sobre el comportamiento catalítico de los catalizadores metálicos para la oxidación del CO, la hidrogenación selectiva, la oxidación selectiva y la fotocatálisis. Se ha encontrado que, los átomos metálicos dispersados por separado y los grupos subnanométricos de metal pueden aglomerarse en nanoclusters o nanopartículas más grandes en condiciones de reacción. Para mejorar la estabilidad de los catalizadores subnanométricos de metal, he desarrollado una nueva estrategia para la generación de átomos individuales y clusters en zeolitas. Esas especies subnanométricas de metales son estables en tratamientos de oxidación-reducción a 550 oC. Siguiendo esta nueva metodología de síntesis, este nuevo tipo de materiales puede servir como catalizador modelo para estudiar la evolución de especies subnanométricas de metales en condiciones de reacción. La transformación estructural de las especies subnanométricas de Pt ha sido estudiada mediante microscopía electrónica de transmisión in situ. Se ha demostrado que el tamaño de las especies de Pt está fuertemente relacionado con las condiciones de reacción, que proporcionan importantes conocimientos para comprender el comportamiento de los catalizadores de metales subnanométricos en condiciones de reacción. En la otra línea de investigación para catalizadores de metales no nobles, he desarrollado varias estrategias generales para obtener catalizadores de metales no nobles, ya sea soportados sobre óxidos metálicos o protegidos por capas delgadas de carbono. Estos materiales muestran un rendimiento excelente para varias reacciones importantes, como la hidrogenación quimioselectiva de nitroarenos, incluso cuando se comparan con los catalizadores de metales nobles convencionales. En algunos casos, los catalizadores de metales no nobles pueden incluso alcanzar selectividades para productos inviables que no ha sido posible conseguir en catalizadores de metales nobles convencionales, que es causado por la diferente ruta de reacción en catalizadores de metales no nobles. Sin embargo, la espectroscopía fotoelectrónica de rayos X a presión ambiente ha revelado que la irradiación de la luz puede modular la selectividad a los alcoholes y los hidrocarburos C2 +, lo que abre una nueva posibilidad para ajustar el comportamiento catalítico de los catalizadores metálicos. Con base en los trabajos anteriores de diferentes aspectos relacionados con catalizadores metálicos heterogéneos, las perspectivas sobre las direcciones futuras hacia una mejor comprensión del comportamiento catalítico de diferentes entidades metálicas (átomos individuales, nanoagrupamientos y nanopartículas) de una manera unificadora también se han dado en esta tesis. / Les espècies metàl·liques de diferents dimensions (àtoms individuals, nanoclusters i nanopartícules) mostren diferents comportaments catalítics per a diverses reaccions catalítiques heterogènies. S'ha demostrat a la literatura que, molts factors que inclouen la mida de la partícula, la forma, la composició química, la interacció amb el suport metàl·lic, la reacció metàl·lica i la interacció amb dissolvents poden tenir influències significatives sobre les propietats catalítiques dels catalitzadors metàl·lics. Els desenvolupaments recents de metodologies de síntesi ben controlades i eines de caracterització avançada permeten relacionar les relacions a nivell molecular. En aquesta tesi, he realitzat estudis sobre catalitzadors metàl·lics d'àtoms únics a nanoclústers i nanopartícules. Mitjançant el desenvolupament de noves metodologies de síntesi, la mida de les espècies metàl·liques es pot modular i utilitzar com a catalitzadors model per estudiar l'efecte de mida sobre el comportament catalític dels catalitzadors metàl·lics per a l'oxidació de CO, hidrogenació selectiva, oxidació selectiva i fotocatàlisi. S'ha trobat que, els àtoms metàl·lics dispersos individualment i els clústers metàl·lics subnanomètrics poden aglomerar-se en nanoclústeres o nanopartícules més grans en condicions de reacció. Per millorar l'estabilitat dels catalitzadors subnanomètrics de metall, he desenvolupat una nova estratègia per a la generació d'àtoms i racimos en zeolites. Aquestes espècies metàl·liques subnanométricas són estables en tractaments de reducció d'oxidació a 550 oC. Després d'aquesta nova metodologia de síntesi, aquest nou tipus de materials poden servir com a model de catalitzador per estudiar l'evolució de les espècies metàl·liques subnanométricas en condicions de reacció. La transformació estructural de l'espècie Pn subnanométrica ha estat estudiada per microscòpia electrònica de transmissió in situ. S'ha demostrat que la mida de les espècies de Pt està fortament relacionada amb les condicions de reacció, que proporcionen idees importants per comprendre el comportament dels catalitzadors de subnanometria en condicions de reacció. En l'altra línia de recerca dels catalitzadors de metalls no nobles, he desenvolupat diverses estratègies generals per obtenir catalizadors de metalls no nobles recolzats en òxids metàl·lics o protegits per capes de carboni primes. Aquests materials presenten un excel·lent rendiment per a diverses reaccions importants, com la hidrogenació quimioelectiva de nitroarenes, fins i tot quan es comparen amb els catalitzadors convencionals de metall noble. En alguns casos, els catalitzadors de metalls no nobles poden fins i tot aconseguir selectivitats a productes no factibles que no s'han pogut assolir en catalitzadors de metall noble convencionals, que es deuen a la via de reacció diferent en catalitzadors de metalls no nobles. No obstant això, s'ha observat una espectroscòpia de fotoelèctria de raigs X amb pressió d'atmosfera que la irradiació lleugera pot modular la selectivitat als alcohols i hidrocarburs C2 +, la qual cosa obre una nova possibilitat per sintonitzar el comportament catalític dels catalitzadors metàl·lics. A partir d'aquests treballs de diferents aspectes relacionats amb els catalitzadors metàl·lics heterogenis, també s'ha donat en aquesta tesi perspectives sobre les futures orientacions cap a una millor comprensió del comportament catalític de diferents entitats metàl·liques (àtoms individuals, nanoclústers i nanopartícules). / Metal species with different size (single atoms, nanoclusters and nanoparticles) show different catalytic behavior for various heterogeneous catalytic reactions. It has been shown in the literature that, many factors including the particle size, shape, chemical composition, metal-support interaction, metal-reactant/solvent interaction, can have significant influences on the catalytic properties of metal catalysts. The recent developments of well-controlled synthesis methodologies and advanced characterization tools allow to correlate the relationships at molecular level. In this thesis, I have carried out studies on metal catalysts from single atoms to nanoclusters and nanoparticles. By developing new synthesis methodologies, the size of metal species can be modulated and used as model catalysts to study the size effect on the catalytic behavior of metal catalysts for CO oxidation, selective hydrogenation, selective oxidation and photocatalysis. It has been found that, singly dispersed metal atoms and subnanometric metal clusters may agglomerate into larger nanoclusters or nanoparticles under reaction conditions. To improve the stability of subnanometric metal catalysts, I have developed a new strategy for the generation of single atoms and clusters in zeolites. Those subnanometric metal species are stable in oxidation-reduction treatments at 550 oC. Following this new synthesis methodology, this new type of materials can serve as model catalyst to study the evolution of subnanometric metal species under reaction conditions. The structural transformation of subnanometric Pt species has been studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy. It has been shown that the size of Pt species is strongly related with the reaction conditions, which provide important insights for understanding the behavior of subnanometric metal catalysts under reaction conditions. In the other research line for non-noble metal catalysts, I have developed several general strategies to obtain non-noble metal catalysts either supported on metal oxides or protected by thin carbon layers. These materials show excellent performance for several important reactions, such as chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes, even when compared with conventional noble metal catalysts. In some cases, non-noble metal catalysts can even achieve selectivities to unfeasible products which has not been possible to achieve on conventional noble metal catalysts, which is caused by the different reaction pathway on non-noble metal catalysts. Nevertheless, it has been revealed by ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy that light irradiation can modulate the selectivity to alcohols and C2+ hydrocarbons, which opens a new possibility for tuning the catalytic behavior of metal catalysts. Based on the above works from different aspects related with heterogeneous metal catalysts, perspectives on the future directions towards better understanding on the catalytic behavior of different metal entities (single atoms, nanoclusters and nanoparticles) in a unifying manner have also been given in this thesis. / Liu, L. (2018). Heterogeneous Metal Catalysts: From Single Atoms to Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/113169 / TESIS