Les travaux présentés dans ce manuscrit s’inscrivent dans le cadre général de la conversion et du stockage de l’énergie lumineuse. Dans ce domaine, l’utilisation de MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) polyfonctionnels n’en est qu’à ses débuts et ils sont principalement utilisés sous forme de poudre cristalline. Or le développement de ces MOFs sur un support solide est essentiel dans l’obtention d’un objet technologiquement avancé répondant à des critères industriels. Les travaux réalisés lors de ce projet ont donc porté sur la croissance contrôlée de matériaux hybrides polyfonctionnels de type MOF sur une surface conductrice transparente TCO (Transparent Conductive Oxide). Les différentes fonctionnalités ont été introduites au sein du MOF par intégration d’une partie photosensible et d’une unité catalytique.A partir de systèmes de MOFs modèles à base de zirconium, il a été possible de produire des systèmes polyfonctionnels par modifications directement pendant la synthèse et/ou post synthèse. Le contrôle de la croissance, en maîtrisant les conditions expérimentales lors de la synthèse solvothermale directe in situ, nous a permis d’obtenir une couche de cristaux monodisperses solidement attachés aux supports TCO. Des efforts importants ont également été dédiés à la compréhension des mécanismes de croissance des MOF sur support TCO. Des essais de photodégradation du bleu de méthylène (polluant organique) ont permis de valider le potentiel photochimique de nos dispositifs.La méthodologie développée pour le contrôle de la croissance des MOFs à base de zirconium a été transposée avec succès à des analogues à base de titane, démontrant la portabilité de la stratégie vers d’autres types de MOFs. Ces derniers ont été utilisés en photo-réduction du CO2 lors d’essais préliminaires (collaboration avec le Collège de France) conduisant sélectivement à l’obtention de formiate. / This work is focused on the development of a functionalization method of TCO transparent conductive surfaces (Transparent Conductive Oxide) by hybrid multifunctional materials, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). Different properties are provided within the MOF by adding different photosensitive and catalytic units. The development of such materials is in its infancy and they have been mainly developed as crystalline powder. However the development of these MOFs onto a solid support is challenging but also essential toward obtaining a technologically advanced device.This project is focused on the growth controlled of MOFs crystals onto TCO support. From a Zirconium material, it was possible to obtain multifunctional systems by changing components directly during the synthesis or by post synthesis modifications. It has been possible to control the growth of materials on the support by direct in situ solvothermal synthesis and to obtain a monodisperse layer of crystals well anchored to the TCO supports. Photodegradation of methylene blue (organic pollutant) has been performed to validate their photoreactivity.The methodology developed with the Zirconium based MOF has been implemented successfully in a similar compound to include higher photosensitizer components and with titanium-based MOFs. It shows the portability of the strategy towards other types of MOFs. They were used in CO2 photo-reduction (in collaboration of the College de France) where selectively of formate production was observed.

Ces dernières années, les matériaux fonctionnels hybrides ont commencé à être employés pour des applications de la haute technologie, allant des senseurs bio/médicaux, à la production d’énergie renouvelable. Pour cette raison, ils sont devenus le centre de plusieurs études dans le domaine des sciences des matériaux. Simultanément, des molécules conjuguées ont été examinée intensément à cause de leurs propriétés venant de leurs longs systèmes π, allant de la possibilité de conduire l’électricité, à leur capacité d’absorber la lumière dans une grande fenêtre spectrale. Le travail de cette thèse se concentre sur l’introduction de tels systèmes dans deux sortes de matériaux hybrides, les dispositifs photovoltaïques pour la production d’électricité (en particuliers les cellules solaires à pigment photosensible) et de carburants alternatifs (hydrogène), et pour les hydrogels biocompatibles sensibles aux stimuli (capables de conduire l’électricité et de réagir sous irradiation), et sur l’étude de leur influence sur les caractéristiques du matériau final. / In recent years hybrid functional materials began to be employed in a series of technologically advanced applications spanning from bio/medical sensors, to renewable energy generation. For this reason, they became the focus of several studies in the field of materials science. At the same time, conjugated molecules have also been intensively investigated, due to the properties arising by the presence of long π-conjugated systems, from the possibility to conduct electricity to the ability to absorb light in a wide range of wavelengths. This PhD work focused on the introduction of such systems in two different kinds of hybrid materials, namely photovoltaic devices for the production of electricity (in particular Dye Sensitzed Solar Cells) and alternative fuels (hydrogen), and biocompatible stimuli-responsive hydrogels (capable to conduct electricity and to react upon irradiation), and on the study of their influence on the characteristics of the final material.

L’objectif principal de ce travail est d’étudier les mécanismes d’oxydation lors de la photocatalyse (TiO2 irradié sous UV-A) appliquée à la dégradation des microorganismes et leurs effets sur les composants cellulaires. L'étude de l'efficacité antimicrobienne de TiO2 sur un panel de microorganismes (bactéries, spores, champignons) réalisée dans différents milieux (TiO2 en milieu riche, 'sec', en phase liquide) montre l’influence des méthodes d’évaluation, de test et de comptage sur les efficacités d’inactivation. Des études menées en présence de molécules scavengers d’anions superoxydes (O2°-) mettent en évidence l’implication des O2°- dans l’effet antibactérien et dans la peroxydation lipidique. Au niveau protéomique, diverses cibles d’action potentielles du TiO2 sont aussi proposées. Enfin, une partie applicative détermine l’efficacité antimicrobienne de dispositifs photocatalytiques équipés de mousses alvéolaires de β-SiC et de diodes électroluminescentes, et met en avant les propriétés auto-désinfectantes sous lumière solaire de textiles photocatalytiques fonctionnalisés par la technique layer-by-layer. / The main objective of this work is to study the oxidation mechanisms of UV-A photocatalysis on TiO2 applied to the degradation of microorganisms and their effects on cellular components. The study of the antimicrobial efficiency of TiO2 towards a panel of microorganisms (bacteria, spores, fungi) in different media (TiO2 in rich or 'dry' environment, in liquid phase) shows the influence of the evaluation methods, test and counting on the inactivation efficiency. Studies carried out in the presence of scavenger molecule of superoxide anions (O2°-) highlight the involvement of O2°- in the antibacterial effect and lipid peroxidation. Proteomics analysis leads to propose various potential targets of the TiO2 action. Finally, an application part deals with the design of photocatalytic devices based on LEDs and β-SiC alveolar foams for air disinfection, and of sunlight active self-disinfecting layer-by-layer functionalized photocatalytic textiles.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-20T13:41:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vitor da Silveira Freitas.pdf: 1933649 bytes, checksum: a5cfbb4c538352e89ea78bce140383ec (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-03 / Endocrine disrupters (EDs) are substances that simulate, mimic or block the action of natural hormones in humans and other animals. Its presence in surface water and wastewater generates harmful effects that is proven in some fish species, but studies about effects in humans are still controversial. Among the EDs is the 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic hormone used contraceptives and hormone replacement treatments. This work evaluated the removal of EE2 in water prepared in laboratory, by the conventional treatment in bench scale (CT), CT with addition of powdered activated carbon (CT + PAC) and CT with a subsequent step of heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2 (CT + TiO2). The study water was prepared by adding kaolin to raise the turbidity up to 100 ± 10 NTU and, EE2 to a final concentration of 40 mg L-1. The CT was constituited by coagulation using aluminum sulfate (12 mg L-1), followed by flocculation, sedimentation and filtration. The CT + PAC differed by the addition of powdered activated carbon at concentrations of 5 mg L-1 and 7.5 mg L-1 before the coagulation step. The CT + TiO2 step was made of the way after the completion of the CT, 1 L of sample was stored and treated by the heterogeneous photocatalysis. The CT showed removal of EE2 41,75% and 44,33%. The treatment that added activated carbon proved to be more effective removing EE2 (59.63% and 62.25%), and the removal percentage increased with increasing the concentration of powdered activated carbon. The CT + TiO2 also proved an effective treatment, removing 52,5 to 56,4% of EE2. / Interferentes endócrinos (IEs) são substâncias que simulam, bloqueiam ou memetizam a ação de hormônios naturais em humanos e outros animais. Sua presença em águas superficiais e residuárias gera efeitos nocivos já comprovados em espécies de peixes, porém estudos sobre efeitos causados em seres humanos ainda são controversos. Entre os IEs, está o 17α-etinilestradiol (EE2), hormônio sintético utilizado em pílulas anticoncepcionais e tratamentos de reposição hormonal. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a remoção do EE2 em água preparada para estudo utilizando tratamento convencional (TC), TC com adição de carvão ativado em pó (TC + CAP) e TC com posterior etapa de fotocatálise heterogênea utilizando TiO2 (TC + TiO2). Os ensaios foram realizados em equipamento de jarteste, com sulfato de alumínio como coagulante. A água de estudo foi preparada adicionando-se caulinita para elevar a turbidez até 100 ± 10 uT e EE2 (Sigma-Aldrich®) até concentração final de 40 mg L-1. O TC foi constituído de coagulação com dosagem de sulfato de alumínio de 12 mg L-1 seguida de floculação, sedimentação e filtração. O TC + CA diferenciou-se pela adição de carvão ativado em pó nas concentrações de 5 mg L-1 e 7,5 mg L-1 antes da etapa de coagulação. O TC + TiO2 foi realizado com 1 L de amostra após TC, a qual foi armazenada e efetuada a etapa de fotocatálise heterogênea. O TC apresentou remoção de EE2, na ordem de 41,8% e 44,3%. O TC + CAP apresentou melhor eficiência de remoção do EE2 (59,6% e 62,3%), e sua porcentagem de remoção aumentou com aumento da concentração de carvão ativado em pó. Com TC + TiO2 obteve-se eficiência de remoção de EE2 de 52,5 a 56,4% nos ensaios realizados.

Os processos oxidativos avançados (POAs) têm sido apontados como alternativa eficiente para a degradação de poluentes recalcitrantes. Entre os POAs, a fotocatálise utilizando luz solar vem sendo muito estudada tendo em vista sua aplicação no tratamento de efluentes aquosos contendo pesticidas. No presente trabalho, estudou-se a degradação do herbicida amicarbazona (AMZ) por meio do processo TiO2/UV em um reator com coletores parabólicos compostos irradiados por luz solar. Os experimentos foram realizados segundo uma matriz Doehlert para o estudo da influência da concentração inicial de AMZ (20-100 mg L-1), da concentração de catalisador (0,1-1 g L-1) e do número de tubos expostos à luz solar (1-9). Amostras retiradas ao longo do tempo foram analisadas quanto às concentrações de AMZ e de carbono orgânico total (TOC). As medidas radiométricas realizadas indicaram que a radiação UVB-UVA correspondeu em média a ca. 4% da radiação solar total incidente entre 310-2800 nm; a actinometria de ferrioxalato indicou fluxo fotônico médio de 3,58×10-5 mol fótons m-2 s-1 para dias ensolarados típicos. O processo TiO2/UV mostrou-se eficiente para degradação do pesticida, que foi totalmente removido antes de 45 minutos de tratamento, para as seguintes condições: [AMZ]0=21,3 mg L-1; [TiO2]=0,5 g L-1; e 7 tubos. Contudo, nesse caso houve apenas ca. 24% de mineralização e na grande maioria dos casos os valores de TOC permaneceram praticamente constantes, o que indica a formação de sub-produtos recalcitrantes, cuja toxicidade e biodegradabilidade devem ser caracterizadas. A análise estatística dos resultados confirma os efeitos importantes da concentração inicial do pesticida e do número de tubos expostos (volume irradiado), cujo aumento permite compensar a menor incidência de radiação solar. Em alguns experimentos os resultados sugeriram que a degradação da AMZ foi favorecida pela maior concentração de TiO2. Na grande maioria dos casos os valores de ACM foram inferiores a 50 m2 kg-1, o que torna este parâmetro interessante para aumento de escala de processos fotocatalíticos irradiados por luz solar empregados no tratamento de efluentes aquosos contendo amicarbazona. / Advanced oxidative processes (AOP) have been considered as an efficient alternative for the degradation of recalcitrant pollutants. Photocatalysis using solar radiation has been studied for the treatment of wastewaters containing pesticides. In this work, the degradation of the herbicide amicarbazone (AMZ) by the TiO2/UV process was studied in a reactor equipped with compound parabolic collectors irradiated by solar light. The experiments were carried out according to a Doehlert matrix to study the effects AMZ initial concentration (20-100 mg L-1), catalyst concentration (0.1-1 g L-1), and number of tubes exposed to solar light (1-9). Samples were analyzed for AMZ and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations. Radiometric measurements indicated that UVB-UVA radiation corresponded in average to about 4% of the solar radiation between 310-2800 nm; ferrioxalate actinometry resulted in an average photonic flux of 3.58×10-5 mol fótons m-2 s-1 for typical sunny days. The TiO2/UV process showed to be efficient for the degradation of the pesticide, which was completely removed before 45 minutes of treatment, for the following conditions: [AMZ]0=21.3 mg L-1; [TiO2]=0.5 g L-1; and 7 tubes. However, in this case only ca. 24% of mineralization was achieved, and in most cases TOC values remained practically constant, indicating the formation of recalcitrant by-products whose toxicity and biodegradility should be characterized. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed important effects of pesticide initial concentration and number of tubes exposed (irradiated volume), whose increase enables to compensate the lower incidence of solar radiation. Some experimental results suggested that AMZ degradation was favored by higher TiO2 concentrations. In most cases the values of ACM were lower than 50 m2 kg-1, in such a way that this parameter is interesting for scale-up of solar irradiated photocalytic processes used in the treatment of amicarbazone-containing wastewaters.

La spintronique moléculaire et la photocatalyse sont deux domaines en constante évolution. Le premier s’attache à exploiter la possibilité de coupler deux phénomènes physiques, à savoir le transport d’un flux de porteurs de charges et le spin de l’électron, tandis que le second se concentre sur l’exaltation des propriétés chimiques de transfert d’électrons d’une espèce donnée grâce au phénomène physique d’irradiation lumineuse. Depuis quelques années, les nanotubes de carbone ont suscité un grand intérêt à la fois en tant que composant pour la spintronique moléculaire, en raison de leur grande cohérence de spin, et en tant que support idéal pour la catalyse moléculaire, grâce à leurs exceptionnelles propriétés électroniques de surface. Au cours de ce travail de thèse, nous nous sommes attachés à concevoir des complexes inorganiques possédant des propriétés physiques, (magnétiques ou optiques) et des propriétés chimiques (permettant leur assemblage non-covalent sur des nanotubes de carbone monoparoi) de manière à former des adduits complexes inorganiques-nanotubes aux propriétés exploitables en spintronique moléculaire et en photocatalyse. Les propriétés des complexes synthétisés ont été extensivement caractérisées (Chapitre 2), et les plus prometteurs de ces composés ont été assemblés avec succès sur les nanotubes de carbone (Chapitre 3), comme en attestent les mesures spectroscopiques réalisées. Enfin, les deux domaines d’applications concernés par nos travaux faisant intervenir des phénomènes de transport électronique, des études spécifiques sur des dispositifs électriques de type transistor à effet de champ dont le canal de conduction est constitué de nanotubes de carbone ont été réalisées (Chapitre 4). Celles-ci mettent à chaque fois en évidence l’existence d’une communication électronique entre les complexes inorganique et les nanotubes de carbone sur lesquels ils sont assemblés au sein des dispositifs. Bien qu’au final un couplage entre les propriétés magnétiques des complexes synthétisés et les propriétés de transport des nanotubes n’ait pas pu être mis en évidence, de nombreux phénomènes inattendus et extrêmement intéressants tels que des effets ambipolaires, des transferts de charge ou des ruptures de liaisons ont été observés. Par contre, un fort couplage opto-électronique a pu être obtenu entre un complexe et le flux de porteurs de charge des dispositifs, ce qui s’avère être de très bon augure pour des futures applications en photocatalyse. / Molecular spintronic and photocatalysis are two fields in constant evolution. While the first deals with the coupling of two physical properties, the flux of charge carriers and the spin of the electron, the second is focusing on the enhancement of the electron transfer of chemical species under light irradiation. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in carbon nanotubes as new components for molecular spintronics, since they possess high spin coherence, and as ideal materials for molecular catalysis, for their tremendous electronic surface properties. Our work consisted in conceiving inorganic complexes with both physical (magnetic or optic) and chemical (ability of realizing non covalent assembly on single-walled carbon nanotubes) properties, in order to create new nanotube-complex nanohybrids which could be exploited for molecular spintronics or photocatalysis applications. The properties of the synthesized complexes were extensively characterized (Chapter 2), and the most promising molecules were successfully assembled onto carbon nanotubes, as is proven by the spectroscopic measurement which were performed (Chapter 3). Finally, since both domains of applications we considered involve electronic transportation, specific studies were realized on field effect transistor devices with carbon nanotubes as the conduction channel (Chapter 4). They evidence strong electronic communications between the inorganic complexes and the carbon nanotubes onto which they are assembled in the devices. Even if in the end no coupling was observed between the magnetic properties of the inorganic complexes and the transport ones of the carbon nanotubes, numerous unexpected and very interesting phenomena such as ambipolar behavior, charge transfer effect or bond cleavage were evidenced. As for the optoelectronic coupling which was investigated for photocatalytic applications, a first step was made as the transport of the carbon nanotube field effect transistor devices onto which a complex was assembled shows a strong dependence with the applied light irradiation.

[pt] A síntese de nanopartículas (NP) de níquel metálico via rota solvotérmica foi estudada com o intuito de produzir estruturas híbridas destas NP ancoradas na superfície de titanatos nanoestruturados. Inicialmente os parâmetros ideais para a formação das NP com os menores e monodispersos diâmetros foram determinados com o auxílio das técnicas de difração de raios X e de microscopia eletrônica. Em seguida, nanotubos de titanatos foram sintetizados via rota hidrotérmica alcalina. Esses titanatos foram adicionados à rota solvotérmica já estudada, buscando a nucleação heterogênea das NP de Ni metálico em sua superfície. Os produtos das sínteses foram analisados por diversas técnicas de caracterização a fim de determinar a nanoestrutura dos produtos formados, a estabilidade térmica das NP, assim como identificar os subprodutos da síntese solvotérmica e medir as eficiências catalíticas e fotocatalíticas dos materiais. Os resultados permitiram concluir sobre as características estruturais dos materiais e a eficácia da ancoração, bem como os mecanismos envolvidos na síntese solvotérmica para a redução do Ni2, presente no precursor organometálico, para Ni0, apresentando uma nova rota para a produção destas NP. / [en] The synthesis of metallic nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NP) via a solvothermic route was studied to produce hybrid structures of these NP anchored to the surface of nanostructured titanates. Initially the ideal parameters for the formation of NP with the smallest and monodisperse diameters were determined with the aid of Xray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. Then, titanate nanotubes were synthesized via alkaline hydrothermal route. These titanates were added to the studied solvothermic route, seeking the heterogeneous nucleation of Ni-NP on its surface. The synthesis products were analyzed by several characterization techniques to determine the nanostructure of the products, the thermal stability of the NP, to identify the by-products of the solvothermic synthesis and to measure the catalytic and photocatalytic efficiencies of the materials. The results include the structural characteristics of the materials and the anchoring efficiency, as well as the mechanisms involved in the solvothermic synthesis to reduce the Ni2 ion, a component of the organometallic precursor, to Ni0, introducing a new route for the synthesis of these NPs.

Les minéraux absorbent la lumière proche des UV (comme TiO2, Fe2O3, MgO) présents dans les aérosols minéraux interagissent avec les gaz traces présents dans l'atmosphère et peuvent initier une nouvelle chimie hétérogène photo-induite potentiellement significative et actuellement peu documentée. Cette thèse vise à aborder différentes questions sur la réactivité des poussières minérales vers les composés organiques et évaluer l'impact de ces interactions sur plusieurs aspects des sciences de l'atmosphère. Nous avons étudié expérimentalement l'interaction physico-chimique d'aérosols minéraux, purs ou revêtus de matériaux organiques/inorganiques avec des gaz traces de plusieurs familles chimiques (alcools, cétones, acides carboxyliques), dans des conditions simulées proches de l'environnement reel (concernant l'humidité, la concentration en phase gazeuse, la longueur d'onde et l'intensité de l'irradiation, la pression et la température) évaluant les effets des conditions ambiantes sur la cinétique de capture et la génération de produits en phase gazeuse. Dans l'ensemble, nos résultats montrent clairement que les reactions photochimique des poussières minérales doit être considéré comme une source de composés réactifs et comme un processus clé affectant leur action sur la nucléation de la glace et les noyaux de condensation des nuages / Minerals that absorb light near UV/Vis present in dust aerosols interact with trace gases in the atmosphere and can initiate a new and potentially significant photo-induced heterogeneous chemistry, which is currently poorly documented. This thesis aims to address different issues of mineral dust reactivity towards organic compounds and, therefore, assesses the impact of these interactions on several aspects of atmospheric sciences. We investigated experimentally the physicochemical interaction of mineral aerosols (synthetic and natural), pure or coated with organic/inorganic materials with trace gases from several chemical families (alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, etc.), under simulated conditions close to the real environment (regarding to humidity, concentration in the gas phase, wavelength and intensity of irradiation, pressure and temperature). In a first approach, we studied the uptake of oxygenated organics onto different dust proxies such as SiO2, TiO2 and Arizona test dust (ATD) evaluating the effects of ambient conditions on the uptake kinetics and product generation. Then, we discussed the chemistry of 5 dicarboxylic acids (C4-C8) on ATD particles upon UV-A irradiation monitoring products in the gas phase as well as those whose stay adsorbed on the particulate phase. Lastly, we investigated the influence of nitrate anions on the uptake of acetone on ATD and SiO2 and in the photochemical product formation of glutaric acid on ATD. Overall, our results clearly show that photochemical processing of dust aerosols should be considered as a source of reactive compounds and as a key process affecting their action as ice nucleation and cloud condensation nuclei

Le développement de photocatalyseurs en couches minces supportées constitue un intérêt majeur autorisant une séparation efficace des produits de réaction, en dépit d’une réduction de leur surface spécifique par rapport à des nanopoudres du même matériau. La synthèse de revêtements de TiO2 par pulvérisation cathodique magnétron en condition réactive fait l’objet de recherches intensives. Cette technique permet de contrôler, à travers les paramètres d’élaboration, la structure et les propriétés physicochimiques et photocatalytiques des revêtements.Afin de s’affranchir de la contamination du catalyseur par le sodium du verre lors de traitements en température ou lors de recuits de couches déposées à l’ambiante, une barrière de diffusion en SiNx est intercalée et son épaisseur est fixée pour la suite de l’étude. Différentes couches de TiO2 ont été élaborées à haute pression dans un réacteur doté d’un système de contrôle en boucle fermée basé sur la spectroscopie d’émission optique. L’effet de la cristallisation in situ à différentes températures sur les différentes propriétés des revêtements TiO2 a été étudié et les propriétés de ces derniers ont été comparées à celles des échantillons synthétisés sur des substrats froids et recuits ex situ aux mêmes températures.Enfin, des premiers travaux portant sur l’influence de l’introduction de l’argent en différentes teneurs sur l’efficacité photocatalytique sous lumière visible des couches de TiO2 cristallisées in situ et ex situ sont présentés. / The development of supported photocatalysts thin films is of major interest allowing an efficient separation of the reaction products, in spite of their specific area reduction compared to nanometric scale powders. The synthesis of TiO2 coatings by reactive magnetron sputtering is the subject of intensive researches. This technique allows, trough the control of the deposition parameters, to manage the structure and the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of the coatings. In order to hinder the sodium contamination of the catalyst from the glass substrate, either during in situ or ex situ heating of the coating, a SiNx diffusion barrier is intercalated with a fixed thickness. Different layers of TiO2 were prepared at high pressure in a reactor equipped with a closed-loop control system based on optical emission spectroscopy. The influence of the in situ crystallization at different temperatures on the properties of the TiO2 coatings was studied. These properties were compared with those of samples synthesized ex situ and at the same temperatures. Finally, first studies on the influence of silver enrichment at different contents on photocatalytic activity under visible light of TiO2 layers crystallized in situ and ex situ, are presented.

The thesis begins with a brief introduction and relevant literature references. The novelty of synthesis, methodology and results of the work reported in the thesis and highlighted subsequently. The thesis consist of three parts, Part A of the thesis consist of five chapters describing new methods of synthesis of orthovanadates, mainly dealing with the structure and photocatalytic properties of synthesized materials. Part B of the thesis consist of two chapters dealing with an unique crystallization methodology for subliming and low melting organic compounds and the crystal structure determination via single crystal X-ray diffraction. Part C consists of one chapter presenting the ab-initio approach of structure determination via powder X-ray diffraction methods. Chapter 1 of the thesis presents the synthesis of three zircon type lanthanide orthovanadates, LnVO4 (Ln = Ce, Pr and Nd) via a new solution based approach at room temperature and photodegradation of a variety of water pollutants have been investigated. Chapter 2 describes the importance of microwave synthesis to produce nano particles of the zircon type lanthanide orthovanadates LnVO4. The importance of the surface area in photocatalysis is evaluated. Chapter 3 consist of the synthesis of a series of new compounds, Ln0.95φ0.05Mo0.15V0.85O4 (Ln = Ce, Pr and Nd) via solid state method. The photocatalytic activities of these compounds are investigated both under UV exposure and sunlight. Chapter 4 presents the synthesis of MxCe1-xVO4+ (M = Li, Ca and Fe) with x = 0.1, 0.25 and 0.05 respectively. Different kinds of dyes and organics are degraded under UV radiation and the specificity towards the same are evaluated. Chapter 5 describes a comparative photocatalytic conversion of cyclohexane and benzene to cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone and phenol respectively by LnVO4, LnMo0.15V0.85O4 and MxCe1-xVO4+ (Ln = Ce, Pr and Nd, M= Li, Ca and Fe with x = 0.1, 0.25 and 0.05 respectively). Kinetics of above photoconversions are established by proposing a mechanism and determining the rate constants. Chapter 6 describes the development of a novel apparatus for the crystallization of anhydrous adenine, whose structure has not been solved over the last few decades. The crystal structure is solved via single crystal X-ray diffraction. Chapter 7 presents a modified design for crystallization of low melting organic compounds and co-crystals. A new polymorph of anhydrous thymine has been grown with this apparatus and its structure has been analyzed and compared with the known form of thymine. Chapter 8 presents the ab-initio approach of structure determination via powder X-ray diffraction methods. The methodology of using the direct space approach for the determination of the crystal structure of N-(2-fluorophenyl) benzamide (a drug intermediate), which could not yield good quality single crystals, is outlined.