Cobalt Ferrite has important, size-dependent magnetic properties. Consequently, an overview of particle size is important. Co-precipitation in air was the fabrication method used because it is comparatively simple and safe. The effects of three different reaction times including 1, 2, 3 hour(s) on particle size were compared. Also, the effectiveness of three different capping agents (Oleic Acid, Polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP), and Trisodium Citrate) in reducing aggregation and correspondingly particle size were examined. Using Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the relevant post hoc tests, there was no significant difference (p=0.05) between reaction times of 1 hour and 2 hours, but there was a significant difference between reaction times of 2 hours and 3 hours. Potentially, because of increased coarsening for the 3 hour reaction time. PVP and Oleic Acid were shown to be effective in reducing aggregation; however, Citrate was not effective. Possibly, the synthesis procedure was inadequate.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / In this work were obtained of Cu1-xMxO (M = Fe, Ni, Al e Zn, for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0,1 samples, using the co-precipitation method. These samples were studied using different techniques of characterization structural and magnetic. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results added to the Rietveld refinement analysis of the x-ray powder diffraction data shows that all samples present monoclinic the same structure of CuO with space group C2/c. The magnetization measurements as function of temperature (MvsT) show a fast suppress of TN for Fe-doped CuO samples, in contrast with (Ni, Zn and Al)-doped CuO. Synchrotron radiation XRD data at low temperature performed with show that the Cu0,9Fe0,1O and Cu0,9Ni0,1O samples present slow changes in the cell parameters, which it can be associated with the magnetic transition. Although the X-ray absorption (XAS) measurements performed in Cu K-edge show a variation in the density of unoccupied state in the p sublevel, appreciable changes in the local structure of these ions ban not be confirmed. On the other hand, measurements at the doping K and L2,3-edges confirm the existence of Ni2+ ions and oxygen vacancies and/or defect in your structure, already measurements performed in Cu0,9Fe0,1O sample shown the presence of Fe+2/Fe+3 mixed valence. / Neste trabalho foram obtidas amostras de Cu1-xMxO (M = Fe, Ni, Al e Zn) usando o método químico de co-precipitação. Estas amostras foram estudadas por diferentes técnicas de caracterização estrutural e magnética. Resultados de difração de raios X (DRX) associados às análises de refinamento Rietveld confirmam que todas as amostras de CuO dopadas com Fe, Ni, Al e Zn apresentaram estrutura cristalina similar a estrutura monoclínica do CuO puro, pertencente ao grupo espacial C2/c. As medidas de magnetização em função da temperatura (MvsT) mostram uma rápida supressão da temperatura de Néel (TN) de 210 K para 65 K, na amostras de CuO dopadas com 10% de Fe, em contraste com os sistema dopado com Ni, Zn e Al. Resultados de DRX em baixa temperatura usando radiação síncrotron indicam suaves alterações no parâmetro de rede das amostras de Cu0,9Fe0,1O e Cu0,9Ni0,1O, os quais podem estar associados com a transição magnética. Embora as medidas de absorção de raios X realizadas na borda K do Cu, antes e depois da TN, mostrarem uma variação na densidade de estado desocupado no subnível p, não se verificaram mudanças apreciáveis na estrutura local destes íons. Por outro lado, as medidas de absorção na borda K e L2,3 do dopante confirmam a existência de íons de Ni com estado de oxidação +2 e vacância de oxigênio e/ou defeitos na estrutura monoclínica do CuO dopado com Ni. Já nas medidas realizadas na amostra de Cu0,9Fe0,1O mostra a presença de valência mista de Fe+2/Fe+3 neste composto.

O desenvolvimento de materiais nanoestruturados tem se destacado devido a necessidade de miniaturização de dispositivos e a procura por novos efeitos físicos e químicos capazes de gerar novas tecnologias. Um importante composto com aplicações principalmente em óptica é o YAG (Y3Al5O12) presente no sistema cerâmico alumina-ítria (\'AL IND.2\'O IND.3\'-\'Y IND.2\'O IND.3\'). O YAG apresenta estrutura cristalina cúbica, expansão térmica isotrópica e não apresenta efeitos de birrefringência, o que possibilita a produção de cerâmica transparente para uso como material hospedeiro de íons terras-raras para o desenvolvimento de lasers de estado sólido. O ponto de partida em processamento cerâmico começa com o conhecimento das características físico-químicas do pó do composto. Em nosso trabalho, o objetivo foi o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para a obtenção de nanopós de YAG de tamanhos médios diferenciados. Para isso foram realizados distintos processos químicos de síntese, e também, foram utilizados diferentes processos de separação, como a centrifugação e a sedimentação. Na produção das nanopartículas foram utilizados três métodos de síntese: Método de Pechini, Rota Glicerol e Método de Coprecipitação. No método de Pechini avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes valores de pH (1, 4, 7, 9 e 11) e procurou-se correlacionar com os tamanhos médios das nanopartículas. Após a obtenção do pó precursor foram realizadas medidas de decomposição térmica (DSC e TG), observando as principais transformações físico-químicas do material decorrentes dos diferentes métodos de síntese. A formação da fase cristalina do YAG foi determinada por difração de raios X e uma análise estrutural foi efetuada por espectroscopia de infravermelho. Medidas de área superficial específica (BET) foram usadas para avaliar o tamanho médio das partículas. Nanopós de YAG com diferentes intervalos de tamanhos foram produzidos, e o rendimento para cada intervalo de tamanho definido. / Nanostructured materials has emerged because the intense interest for miniaturization of devices and crescent demand for new physical and chemical effects that can generate new technologies. An important compound with applications mainly in optics is the YAG (Y3Al5O12). It\'s present in the alumina-yttria ceramic system (\'AL IND.2\'O IND.3\'-\'Y IND.2\'O IND.3\'). The YAG has a cubic crystaline structure, isotropic thermal expansion and it has no birefringence effects, which allows the production of transparent ceramics to use as host of solid-state lasers. The starting point in ceramic processing begins with the knowledge of the characteristics and physical and chemical properties of the powder. In our work, the goal was the development of a methodology for obtaining YAG nanopowders of different average sizes. To do this we performed distinct chemical synthesis, and we also used different separation processes such as centrifugation and sedimentation. For production of nanoparticles we used three synthesis methods: Pechini, glycerol route and coprecipitation. In the Pechini method we evaluated the effect of different pH values (1, 4, 7, 9 and 11) and tried to correlate with the average sizes of nanoparticles. After obtain the precursor powders we studied the decomposition thermal (DSC and TG) process, arising from the different synthesis methods. The crystalline phase of YAG was determined by x-ray diffraction and the structural analysis was carried out by infrared spectroscopy. Specific surface area measurements (BET) were used to evaluate the average particle size.YAG nanopowders with different average sizes were produced.

Higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) from syngas or biomass-derived syngas is an important process for the production of oxygenate fuels, fuel additives and other intermediates for valueded chemical feedstock to produce medicine, cosmetics, lubricants, detergents, and polyesters. Chapter I reviews biomass to liquid fuels technology, higher alcohols being used as alternative fuels and fuel additives, the historical perspective and commercial status of higher alcohols, the catalyst system and the reaction mechanism for HAS from syngas. Chapter II discusses the Zn-Mn promoted Cu-Fe based catalyst that was synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The reaction temperature has been tested to study the influence on the catalytic performance. The maximal CO conversion rate was 72%, and the yield of alcohol and hydrocarbon was also very high. Cu was the active site for alcohol synthesis, iron carbide was the active site for olefin and paraffin synthesis. The reaction mechanism of HAS from syngas over Zn-Mn promoted Cu-Fe based catalyst was proposed. Chapter III documents the three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Cu-Fe catalyst developed using a glyoxylate route colloidal crystal template method. The high intrinsic activity was ascribed to three factors. First, the unique ordered structure has a large pore size and interconnected macroporous tunnels of the catalyst with a large accessible surface area to improve the catalytic activity. Second, a high density of uniformly distributed defective Cu0 and Fe5C2 nanoparticles derived from the glyoxylate route helps to provide abundant, active, and stable dual sites. Third, atomic steps on the Cu surface, induced by planar defects and lattice strain, serve as high-activity oxygenation sites. Active Fe5C2 chain-growth sites intimately surround the defective and strained form of the Cu surface, which results in a synergetic effect between the active and stable Cu–FexCy dual site for HAS. In Chapter IV, in situ ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ synchrotron powder diffraction were applied to identify the active site of 3DOM Cu-Fe catalyst for HAS. The results show that after syngas pretreatment of the 3DOM Cu-Fe catalyst, Cu0 is the active oxygenation site for alcohol synthesis, and Fe5C2 is the active site for carbon chain growth.

Este estudo teve como objetivo principal desenvolver uma técnica para síntese de um nanocompósito de Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (Zircônia estabilizada por 3 mol% de ítria reforçada por nanotubos de carbono funcionalizado em -COOH) com propriedades mecânicas e ópticas que permitam a sua futura utilização como infraestrutura de próteses fixas dentárias e pilares protéticos para implantes. Assim, foram avaliados a microestrutura, resistência à flexão, tenacidade à fratura, limite de fadiga e propriedades ópticas do nanocompósito e comparada àquelas medidas para Y-TZP convencional (controle). O material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH foi desenvolvido pelo processo de co-precipitação de hidróxidos mistos associado ao tratamento hidrotérmico/solvotérmico e prensagem uniaxial em formato de blocos para sistemas CAD/CAM. O pó de MWCNT-COOH foi caracterizado por meio de MEV-FEG, TEM, TGA, DRX e FRX previamente a sua utilização para desenvolvimento do nanocompósito. Espécimes foram obtidos a partir do material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH para caracterização por meio de DRX, MEV-FEG e TEM, e comparação de suas propriedades estruturais (densidade e contração), ópticas, resistência à flexão, tenacidade à fratura e limite de fadiga com a Y-TZP convencional. O MWCNT-COOH apresentou-se em feixes de nanotubos de carbono recobertos por sílica tendo comprimento médio de 5,10 ± 1,34 ?m, com 90% dos comprimentos medidos (D90) estando abaixo de 6,9 ?m. Foi verificado a não possibilidade da utilização de líquidos orgânicos em nenhum passo da fabricação dos compósito Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH por levar ao escurecimento do compósito, inviabilizando sua futura aplicação clínica. O tratamento hidrotérmico sem uso de líquidos orgânicos mostrou-se eficaz em proporcionar o revestimento do nanotubo de carbono por partículas de óxido de zircônio e ítrio. Entretanto, ocasionou a formação de aglomerados e partículas de Y-TZP com tamanho maiores que 5 ?m. Uma densidade relativa de 97,4% foi alcançada para o compósito experimental de Y-TZP contendo MWCNT-COOH, tendo uma razão de contraste de 0.9929 ± 0.0012 e um valor de diferença de cor da Y-TZP convencional de 6,1 ± 3,1 ( ?E). As propriedades mecânicas da Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH, dureza Vickers (10,14 ± 1,27 GPa; p=0,25) e tenacidade à fratura (4,98 ± 0,30 MPa.m1/2; p=0,39), não apresentaram diferença significativa da Y-TZP convencional (dureza: 8,87 ± 0,89; tenacidade à fratura: 4,98 ± 0,30 MPa.m1/2). Entretanto, para a resistência à flexão (p=0,003) e limite de fadiga cíclica (LFC) foram obtidos valores inferiores para o material experimental Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (resistência à flexão: 299,4 ± 30,5 MPa; LFC: 179,4 ± 22,5 MPa) quando comparado à Y-TZP controle (resistência à flexão: 623,7 ± 108,8 MPa; LFC: 439,0 ± 56,4 MPa). Com base nos resultados apresentados, é possível concluir que a síntese de um nanocompósito de Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH com propriedades ópticas adequadas para aplicação na odontologia restauradora foi possível por meio dos métodos descritos, entretanto algumas adequações nos métodos de síntese e processamento para criação do nanocompósito devem ser realizadas para se evitar a acentuada diminuição de importantes propriedades mecânicas do material. / This study aim was to develop a technique for synthetize nanocomposite of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (3 mol% Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia reinforced with COOH functionalized carbon nanotubes) with mechanical and optical properties that allow their future use as fixed dental prosthesis infrastructure and implant abutments. Thus, the following properties of the nanocomposite were investigated and compared to those measured for conventional Y-TZP (control): microstructure, flexural strength, fracture toughness, fatigue limit and optical properties. Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH material was developed by the co-precipitation of mixed hydroxides associated with the hydrothermal/solvothermal treatment and uniaxial pressing to form blocks for CAD/CAM systems. The MWCNT-COOH powder was characterized by SEM-FEG, TEM, TGA, XRD and XRF prior to its use for the development of nanocomposite. Specimens were obtained from the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH material and characterized by XRD, SEM-FEG and TEM. After characterization, the material had their structural properties (density and contraction), optical, flexural strength, fracture toughness and fatigue limit compared to a conventional Y-TZP. The MWCNT-COOH material was observed to be a bundle formation of carbon nanotube covered with silica with an average length of 5.10 ± 1.34 ?m, with 90% of the measured lengths (D90) being below 6.9 ?m. It has been found to be not possible to use organic liquids on any step of the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH manufacturing process due to darkening of the composite, making it unfeasible to future clinical application. The hydrothermal treatment without the use of organic liquids was effective in providing the carbon nanotube coating by zirconium and yttrium oxide particles. However, this treatment led to the formation of agglomerates and particles of Y-TZP with larger than 5 ?m. A relative density of 97.4% was achieved for the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH composite, having a contrast ratio of 0.9929 ± 0.0012, and a color difference value from the conventional Y-TZP of 6.1 ± 3.1 (?E). The mechanical properties of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH, Vickers hardness (10.14 ± 1.27 GPa; p = 0.25) and fracture toughness (4.98 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2; p = 0.39), showed no significant difference from the conventional Y-TZP (hardness: 8.87 ± 0.89; fracture toughness: 4.98 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2). However, flexural strength (p = 0.003) and cyclic fatigue limit (CFL) showed lower values for the experimental material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (flexural strength: 299.4 ± 30.5 MPa; CFL: 179.4 ± 22.5 MPa) compared to Y-TZP control (flexural strength: 623.7 ± 108.8 MPa; CFL: 439.0 ± 56.4 MPa). Based on the results presented, it could be conclude that the synthesis of a nanocomposite of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH with optical properties suitable for application in restorative dentistry was made possible by the described methods, however some adjustments in synthesis and processing methods for the nanocomposite creation should be taken; to avoid the sharp decrease of important mechanical properties of the material.

Total phosphorus concentrations in the open waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes are currently at or beneath target concentrations set by international agreement. Despite the success of phosphorus loading controls in remediating nearshore eutrophication problems in the past, nuisance growth of Cladophora has recently returned to the lower Great Lakes. This thesis examines soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in a northwestern segment of Lake Ontario to assess whether allochthonous or autochthonous sources of phosphate lead to localized areas of PO43- enrichment that may help to explain the seemingly paradoxical resurgence of Cladophora. As SRP is often an overestimate of PO43- in P-limited waters, measures of SRP made with the standard method were compared with measures of SRP made with modified methods (i.e., using dialysis and magnesium-induced co-precipitation) designed to more accurately measure phosphate when it was expected to be at low concentrations. Measures of SRP made with standard and modified methods did not differ, however, SRP was 1 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than a more sensitive steady-state radiobioassay for PO43- used for comparison in offshore waters. Although the utility of SRP is limited when phosphate concentrations are very low, SRP is useful to measure localized areas of phosphate enrichment, and its relative concentrations can be compared in time and space. To quantify the degree to which allochthonous inputs and dreissenids contribute to PO43- concentrations that permit Cladophora growth, intensive sampling for SRP was carried out prior to, during and following the Cladophora growing season. SRP was higher in the nearshore than offshore and near the mouth of a large tributary and a treated wastewater outfall than in samples from other locations along the shoreline, but only in the spring and autumn. Phosphate turnover times indicated lower P-limitation in the nearshore and near local inputs versus the offshore. Higher concentrations of SRP were measured in samples taken 15 cm and 50 cm above dreissenid mussel-beds than in those obtained at corresponding depths over other substrata and from higher up in the water column through the Cladophora growing season, while Chl a concentrations displayed the reverse trend. These results suggest that PO43- excreted by dreissenids could be more important in time and space than external inputs in supporting nuisance Cladophora growth in the current nearshore environment. Continued research and monitoring of P dynamics in the nearshore combined with model approaches should better predict whether more stringent P controls would be effective in managing Cladophora growth.

Total phosphorus concentrations in the open waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes are currently at or beneath target concentrations set by international agreement. Despite the success of phosphorus loading controls in remediating nearshore eutrophication problems in the past, nuisance growth of Cladophora has recently returned to the lower Great Lakes. This thesis examines soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in a northwestern segment of Lake Ontario to assess whether allochthonous or autochthonous sources of phosphate lead to localized areas of PO43- enrichment that may help to explain the seemingly paradoxical resurgence of Cladophora. As SRP is often an overestimate of PO43- in P-limited waters, measures of SRP made with the standard method were compared with measures of SRP made with modified methods (i.e., using dialysis and magnesium-induced co-precipitation) designed to more accurately measure phosphate when it was expected to be at low concentrations. Measures of SRP made with standard and modified methods did not differ, however, SRP was 1 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than a more sensitive steady-state radiobioassay for PO43- used for comparison in offshore waters. Although the utility of SRP is limited when phosphate concentrations are very low, SRP is useful to measure localized areas of phosphate enrichment, and its relative concentrations can be compared in time and space. To quantify the degree to which allochthonous inputs and dreissenids contribute to PO43- concentrations that permit Cladophora growth, intensive sampling for SRP was carried out prior to, during and following the Cladophora growing season. SRP was higher in the nearshore than offshore and near the mouth of a large tributary and a treated wastewater outfall than in samples from other locations along the shoreline, but only in the spring and autumn. Phosphate turnover times indicated lower P-limitation in the nearshore and near local inputs versus the offshore. Higher concentrations of SRP were measured in samples taken 15 cm and 50 cm above dreissenid mussel-beds than in those obtained at corresponding depths over other substrata and from higher up in the water column through the Cladophora growing season, while Chl a concentrations displayed the reverse trend. These results suggest that PO43- excreted by dreissenids could be more important in time and space than external inputs in supporting nuisance Cladophora growth in the current nearshore environment. Continued research and monitoring of P dynamics in the nearshore combined with model approaches should better predict whether more stringent P controls would be effective in managing Cladophora growth.

Este estudo teve como objetivo principal desenvolver uma técnica para síntese de um nanocompósito de Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (Zircônia estabilizada por 3 mol% de ítria reforçada por nanotubos de carbono funcionalizado em -COOH) com propriedades mecânicas e ópticas que permitam a sua futura utilização como infraestrutura de próteses fixas dentárias e pilares protéticos para implantes. Assim, foram avaliados a microestrutura, resistência à flexão, tenacidade à fratura, limite de fadiga e propriedades ópticas do nanocompósito e comparada àquelas medidas para Y-TZP convencional (controle). O material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH foi desenvolvido pelo processo de co-precipitação de hidróxidos mistos associado ao tratamento hidrotérmico/solvotérmico e prensagem uniaxial em formato de blocos para sistemas CAD/CAM. O pó de MWCNT-COOH foi caracterizado por meio de MEV-FEG, TEM, TGA, DRX e FRX previamente a sua utilização para desenvolvimento do nanocompósito. Espécimes foram obtidos a partir do material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH para caracterização por meio de DRX, MEV-FEG e TEM, e comparação de suas propriedades estruturais (densidade e contração), ópticas, resistência à flexão, tenacidade à fratura e limite de fadiga com a Y-TZP convencional. O MWCNT-COOH apresentou-se em feixes de nanotubos de carbono recobertos por sílica tendo comprimento médio de 5,10 ± 1,34 ?m, com 90% dos comprimentos medidos (D90) estando abaixo de 6,9 ?m. Foi verificado a não possibilidade da utilização de líquidos orgânicos em nenhum passo da fabricação dos compósito Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH por levar ao escurecimento do compósito, inviabilizando sua futura aplicação clínica. O tratamento hidrotérmico sem uso de líquidos orgânicos mostrou-se eficaz em proporcionar o revestimento do nanotubo de carbono por partículas de óxido de zircônio e ítrio. Entretanto, ocasionou a formação de aglomerados e partículas de Y-TZP com tamanho maiores que 5 ?m. Uma densidade relativa de 97,4% foi alcançada para o compósito experimental de Y-TZP contendo MWCNT-COOH, tendo uma razão de contraste de 0.9929 ± 0.0012 e um valor de diferença de cor da Y-TZP convencional de 6,1 ± 3,1 ( ?E). As propriedades mecânicas da Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH, dureza Vickers (10,14 ± 1,27 GPa; p=0,25) e tenacidade à fratura (4,98 ± 0,30 MPa.m1/2; p=0,39), não apresentaram diferença significativa da Y-TZP convencional (dureza: 8,87 ± 0,89; tenacidade à fratura: 4,98 ± 0,30 MPa.m1/2). Entretanto, para a resistência à flexão (p=0,003) e limite de fadiga cíclica (LFC) foram obtidos valores inferiores para o material experimental Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (resistência à flexão: 299,4 ± 30,5 MPa; LFC: 179,4 ± 22,5 MPa) quando comparado à Y-TZP controle (resistência à flexão: 623,7 ± 108,8 MPa; LFC: 439,0 ± 56,4 MPa). Com base nos resultados apresentados, é possível concluir que a síntese de um nanocompósito de Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH com propriedades ópticas adequadas para aplicação na odontologia restauradora foi possível por meio dos métodos descritos, entretanto algumas adequações nos métodos de síntese e processamento para criação do nanocompósito devem ser realizadas para se evitar a acentuada diminuição de importantes propriedades mecânicas do material. / This study aim was to develop a technique for synthetize nanocomposite of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (3 mol% Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia reinforced with COOH functionalized carbon nanotubes) with mechanical and optical properties that allow their future use as fixed dental prosthesis infrastructure and implant abutments. Thus, the following properties of the nanocomposite were investigated and compared to those measured for conventional Y-TZP (control): microstructure, flexural strength, fracture toughness, fatigue limit and optical properties. Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH material was developed by the co-precipitation of mixed hydroxides associated with the hydrothermal/solvothermal treatment and uniaxial pressing to form blocks for CAD/CAM systems. The MWCNT-COOH powder was characterized by SEM-FEG, TEM, TGA, XRD and XRF prior to its use for the development of nanocomposite. Specimens were obtained from the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH material and characterized by XRD, SEM-FEG and TEM. After characterization, the material had their structural properties (density and contraction), optical, flexural strength, fracture toughness and fatigue limit compared to a conventional Y-TZP. The MWCNT-COOH material was observed to be a bundle formation of carbon nanotube covered with silica with an average length of 5.10 ± 1.34 ?m, with 90% of the measured lengths (D90) being below 6.9 ?m. It has been found to be not possible to use organic liquids on any step of the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH manufacturing process due to darkening of the composite, making it unfeasible to future clinical application. The hydrothermal treatment without the use of organic liquids was effective in providing the carbon nanotube coating by zirconium and yttrium oxide particles. However, this treatment led to the formation of agglomerates and particles of Y-TZP with larger than 5 ?m. A relative density of 97.4% was achieved for the Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH composite, having a contrast ratio of 0.9929 ± 0.0012, and a color difference value from the conventional Y-TZP of 6.1 ± 3.1 (?E). The mechanical properties of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH, Vickers hardness (10.14 ± 1.27 GPa; p = 0.25) and fracture toughness (4.98 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2; p = 0.39), showed no significant difference from the conventional Y-TZP (hardness: 8.87 ± 0.89; fracture toughness: 4.98 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2). However, flexural strength (p = 0.003) and cyclic fatigue limit (CFL) showed lower values for the experimental material Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH (flexural strength: 299.4 ± 30.5 MPa; CFL: 179.4 ± 22.5 MPa) compared to Y-TZP control (flexural strength: 623.7 ± 108.8 MPa; CFL: 439.0 ± 56.4 MPa). Based on the results presented, it could be conclude that the synthesis of a nanocomposite of Y-TZP/MWCNT-COOH with optical properties suitable for application in restorative dentistry was made possible by the described methods, however some adjustments in synthesis and processing methods for the nanocomposite creation should be taken; to avoid the sharp decrease of important mechanical properties of the material.

Les matériaux hydroxydes doubles lamellaires (HDL) sont une classe d'argiles anioniques synthétiques dont la structure est basée sur celle du brucite Mg(OH)2 dans lesquelles une partie des cations métalliques divalents sont été remplacés par des ions trivalents donnant ainsi des feuillets chargés positive. Cette charge est équilibrée par l'intercalation d'anions dans la région interlamellaire hydratée. Les identités et les rapports des cations di- et trivalents et l'anion interlamellaire peuvent être varié sur une large gamme, donnant lieu à une large classe de matériaux isostructurales. Le matériau d’origine de cette classe est l’hydrotalcite (HT) et les HDL sont par conséquent également connus comme des matériaux de type hydrotalcite. Bien que les caractéristiques de base de la structure soient bien comprises, des aspects structurels détaillés ont fait l'objet de certaine controverse dans la littérature afin de maîtriser leurs propriétés et leurs applications potentielles. Dans ce travail de thèse nous avons retenu deux types de HDL MgAl et ZnAl qui ont été largement introduits dans diverses applications, tels que la sorption des molécules d'intérêt biologique (enzyme et médicament) et l'élaboration d'électrodes. La spécificité de ce travail repose sur l’immobilisation d’une enzyme modèle, la lactate déshydrogénase dans ces deux matrices ainsi qu’un médicament anti-bactérien, la berbérine, afin d’étudier les interactions entre ces deux biomolécules et la phase HDL introduite et de répondre à leurs exigences d'applications dans le domaine médical. Dans un second temps nous avons tenté d’étudier les deux phases mentionnées de plus en plus fine en termes de structure, morphologie et profil électrochimique en vue de les employer en tant que matériaux d’électrode pour le développement de biopile / DHs are a class of synthetic anionic clays whose structure is based on brucite-like layers Mg(OH)2 inwhich some of the divalent cations have been replaced by trivalent ions giving positively-charged sheets.This charge is balanced by intercalation of anions in the hydrated interlayer regions. The identities andratios of the di- and trivalent cations and the interlayer anion may be varied over a wide range, giving rise toa large class of isostructural materials. The parent material of this class is the naturally occurring mineralhydrotalcite and LDHs are consequently also known as hydrotalcite-like materials. Although the basicfeatures of the structure are well understood, detailed structural aspects have been the subject of somecontroversy in the literature. In this thesis, we have selected two types of LDH, MgAl and ZnAl, which havebeen widely introduced in various applications, such as sorption of molecules of biological interest (enzymeand drug) and the development of electrodes. The specificity of this work lies on the immobilization of amodel enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase in both matrices as well as an anti-bacterial drug, berberine, inorder to study the interactions between these two biomolecules and the introduced LDH phase and tobetter address their challenges of applications in the medical field. Second, we have tried to study the twophases mentioned above more and more accurately in terms of structure, morphology and electrochemicalprofile in order to use them as electrode materials for microbial fuel cell device

Les nano-composés de type Sn1-xTaxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0,03) ont été étudiés en vue de leurs propriétés thermoélectriques. Une méthode de co-précipitation a été utilisée pour synthétiser des nano-poudres ayant une taille des grains moyenne d’environ 3 nm. L’étude structurale et microstructurale a suggéré une limite de solubilité pour le Ta de 0,008 ≤ x < 0,010. Ces nano-poudres ont été ensuite densifiées par Spark Plasma Sintering, avec des compacités atteignant ~ 95%. Le dopage en Ta a permis une amélioration des propriétés thermoélectriques du SnO2 et, en accord avec la limite de solubilité, une valeur maximale du facteur de mérite de 4,7x10-5 K-1 a été observée pour l’échantillon x = 0,008. De plus, nous avons démontré qu’une diminution de la taille des grains permettait d’améliorer le coefficient Seebeck, de diminuer la conductivité thermique, mais conduisait à une diminution de la conductivité électrique. La stabilité des oxydes, notamment à l'échelle nanométrique, est remise en question par des caractérisations physico-chimiques. Partant de ces matériaux à base de SnO2, un nano-composite (ZnO-SnO2) a été étudié. Le composé Zn1-xGdxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0,03) a été préparé par la méthode de Péchini et caractérisé en comparant avec d’autres matériaux à base de ZnO. Un premier test de nano-composite M30 (30% en masse Sn0.996Ta0.004O2 et 70% en masse Zn0.997Gd0.003O) a été mené. Le résultat obtenu a montré qu’une concentration de nano-inclusion Sn0.996Ta0.004O2 de 30 % ne permettait pas d’améliorer les propriétés thermoélectriques du nano-composite M30, par rapport aux matériaux de départ. / The nano-compound Sn1-xTaxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03) was studied with a view to their thermoelectric properties. A method of co-precipitation was used to synthesize nano-powders having an average grain size of about 3 nm. The structural and microstructural study suggested a solid solubility limit of 0.008 ≤ x < 0.010. These nano-powders were then densified by Spark Plasma Sintering, with density reaching ~ 95%. The doping of Ta improved the thermoelectric properties, and in good agreement with the solubility limit, a maximum value of the factor of merit of 4.7x10-5 K-1 was observed for the sample x = 0.008. The stability of oxides, particularly at the nanoscale, is questioned by physicochemical characterizations. From these SnO2-based materials, a nano-composite (ZnO-SnO2) was studied. The compound Zn1-xGdxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03) was prepared by the method of Pechini and characterized by comparing with other ZnO-based materials. A first test of nano-composite M30 (30 wt% Sn0.996Ta0.004O2 and 70 wt% Zn0.997Gd0.003O) was conducted. The result showed that a concentration of 30% nano-inclusion Sn0.996Ta0.004O2 did not allow to improve the thermoelectric properties of nano-composite M30, compared to the starting materials.