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[ES] La fabricación de nanopartículas con tamaños por debajo de los 100 nm ha permitido el desarrollo de innovadores nanodispositivos capaces de interactuar de forma directa con sistemas vivos a nivel celular y molecular, convirtiéndose en una parte fundamental dentro del campo de la nanomedicina. Uno de los principales retos a los que se enfrenta la ingeniería de nanopartículas es el desarrollo de nanodispositivos con propiedades físico-químicas bien definidas, ya que de ellas depende el comportamiento y biodistribución de dichos sistemas una vez introducidos en el organismo. No menos importante es el desarrollo de protocolos de síntesis reproducibles y optimizados, indispensables para la fabricación y escalado de nanodispositivos que puedan ser trasladados a futuras aplicaciones biomédicas. El principal objetivo de este proyecto de doctorado es el estudio y fabricación de nanopartículas magnéticas mesoporosas de sílice con estructura "core-shell" para su aplicación como agentes teranósticos en el campo de la nanomedicina. En este estudio se analiza en profundidad la síntesis y caracterización de dichos nanomateriales con el objetivo de producir nanopartículas con unas propiedades físico-químicas bien definidas de forma controlada y reproducible. La obtención de dichas nanopartículas supondría un gran avance de cara al desarrollo de nanodispositivos más complejos y sofisticados. El contenido de la tesis se ha estructurado en distintos capítulos que se detallan brevemente a continuación: ¿El capítulo 1 es una introducción a la nanomedicina, destacando el papel fundamental que tienen las nanopartículas en el desarrollo de nuevas aplicaciones biomédicas. A continuación se presentan las nanopartículas de sílice mesoporosa, mostrando la gran versatilidad de dichos nanomateriales para el desarrollo de dispositivos teranósticos así como sistemas para la liberación controlada de fármacos. Por último, se destaca la importancia de fabricar nanodispositivos con unas propiedades físico-químicas bien definidas como requisito indispensable para la traslación de los resultados experimentales hacia el campo clínico. ¿El capítulo 2 incluye los objetivos principales de la tesis. ¿El capítulo 3 se centra en la síntesis y caracterización de nanopartículas superparamagnéticas de óxido de hierro (USPIONs), siendo estas utilizadas en capítulos posteriores para la síntesis de las nanopartículas mesoporosas tipo "core-shell". Las USPIONs son preparadas a través de un método sencillo de coprecipitación en el que se emplean condiciones de reacción moderadas. Las nanopartículas obtenidas son caracterizadas en profundidad, analizando sus propiedades magnéticas para su aplicación en hipertermia magnética y como agentes de contraste dual en imagen por resonancia magnética (MRI). ¿El capítulo 4 está dedicado a la preparación de nanopartículas magnéticas mesoporosas de sílice con estructura "core-shell". Los conceptos fundamentales relacionados con los mecanismos de formación de este tipo de nanomateriales son ampliamente analizados, así como los parámetros de reacción involucrados en la síntesis. Como punto de partida, se propone un protocolo de síntesis general para la obtención de las nanopartículas tipo "core-shell". A continuación, se analiza en profundidad el efecto que los distintos parámetros de reacción tienen en las propiedades físico-químicas de dichas nanopartículas. Para la fase de optimización se utiliza un modelo semi-empírico como referencia, racionalizando los resultados experimentales observados en base a un posible mecanismo de formación. ¿El capítulo 5 se centra en el análisis y caracterización de la estructura mesoporosa de las nanopartículas tipo "core-shell". Además, se analiza el efecto que los distintos parámetros de reacción tienen sobre la estructura final de las nanopartículas, aportando información adicional sobre su posible mecanismo / [CA] La fabricació de nanopartícules amb grandàries per davall dels 100 nm ha permés el desenvolupament d'innovadors nanodispositius capaços d'interactuar de forma directa amb sistemes vius a nivell cel¿lular i molecular, convertint-se en una part fonamental dins del camp de la nanomedicina. Un dels principals reptes als quals s'enfronta l'enginyeria de nanopartícules és el desenvolupament de nanodispositius amb propietats físic-químiques ben definides, ja que d'elles depén el comportament i biodistribució d'aquests sistemes una vegada introduïts en l'organisme. No menys important és el desenvolupament de protocols de síntesis reproduïbles i optimitzats, indispensables per a la fabricació a gran escala de nanodispositius que puguen ser utilitzats en futures aplicacions biomèdiques. El principal objectiu d'aquest projecte de doctorat és l'estudi i fabricació de nanopartícules magnètiques mesoporoses de sílice amb estructura "core-shell" per a la seua aplicació com a agents teranòstics en el camp de la nanomedicina. En aquest estudi s'analitza en profunditat la síntesi i caracterització d'aquests nanomaterials amb l'objectiu de produir nanopartícules amb unes propietats físic-químiques ben definides de forma controlada i reproduïble. L'obtenció d'aquestes nanopartícules suposaria un gran avanç de cara al desenvolupament de nanodispositius més complexos i sofisticats. El contingut de la tesi s'ha estructurat en diferents capítols que es detallen breument a continuació: ¿El capítol 1 és una introducció a la nanomedicina, destacant el paper fonamental que tenen les nanopartícules en el desenvolupament de noves aplicacions biomèdiques. A continuació es presenten les nanopartícules de sílice mesoporosa, mostrant la gran versatilitat d'aquests nanomaterials per al desenvolupament de dispositius teranòstics així com sistemes per a l'alliberament controlat de fàrmacs. Finalment, es destaca la importància de fabricar nanodispositius amb unes propietats físic-químiques ben definides com a requisit indispensable per a la translació dels resultats experimentals al camp clínic. ¿El capítol 2 inclou els objectius principals de la tesi així com els objectius específics proposats per a cada capítol de la tesi. ¿El capítol 3 està dedicat a la síntesi i caracterització de nanopartícules superparamagnétiques d'òxid de ferro (USPIONs), sent aquestes utilitzades en capítols posteriors per a la síntesi de les nanopartícules mesoporoses tipus "core-shell". Les USPIONs són preparades a través d'un mètode senzill de coprecipitació en el qual s'empren condicions de reacció moderades. Les nanopartícules obtingudes són caracteritzades en profunditat, analitzant les seues propietats magnètiques per a la seua aplicació en hipertèrmia magnètica i com a agents de contrast dual en imatge per ressonància magnètica (MRI). ¿El capítol 4 està dedicat a la preparació de nanopartícules magnètiques mesoporoses de sílice amb estructura "core-shell". Els conceptes fonamentals relacionats amb els mecanismes de formació d'aquest tipus de nanomaterials són àmpliament analitzats, així com els paràmetres de reacció involucrats en la síntesi. Com a punt de partida, es proposa un protocol de síntesi general per a l'obtenció de les nanopartícules tipus "core-shell". A continuació, s'analitza en profunditat l'efecte que els diferents paràmetres de reacció tenen en les propietats físic-químiques d'aquestes nanopartícules. Per a la fase d'optimització s'utilitza un model semi-empíric com a referència, racionalitzant els resultats experimentals observats sobre la base d'un possible mecanisme de formació. ¿El capítol 5 està dedicat a l'anàlisi i caracterització de l'estructura mesoporosa de les nanopartícules tipus "core-shell". A més, s'analitza l'efecte que els diferents paràmetres de reacció tenen sobre l'estructura final de les nanopartícules, aportant informació / [EN] The fabrication of nanoparticles with sizes below 100 nm has opened the door to the development of innovative nanodevices that directly interact with living systems at the cellular and molecular level, becoming an essential part of nanomedicine. One of the main challenges that nanoparticle engineering is currently facing is the design of nanodevices with well-defined physico-chemical properties, which ultimately determine the fate and function of these systems inside the organism. Similarly, the development of reproducible and versatile synthetic protocols is of great importance for manufacture purposes, a fundamental requirement for an efficient translation of this technology into the clinic. The main objective of this PhD thesis is the study and fabrication of core-shell-type magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (M-MSNs) for their application as theranostic nanodevices in the field of nanomedicine. A comprehensive study about the synthesis and characterization of this type of nanomaterials is presented with the aim of obtaining core-shell M-MSNs with well-defined physico-chemical properties in a robust and reproducible way. The fabrication of such particles would provide a versatile and reliable platform for the development of more complex nanodevices with advanced functionalities. The thesis has been structured into several chapters that are briefly summarized as follows: ¿Chapter 1 is an introduction to the topic of nanomedicine, highlighting the importance of nanoparticles in the development of new biomedical applications. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are then introduced, showing the great versatility that this nanomaterials offer for the development of theranostic nanodevices and smart drug delivery systems. Finally, the development of nanodevices with well-defined physico-chemical properties is identified as a crucial requirement for overcoming biological barriers and facilitate the translation of nanomedicines from the bench to bedside. ¿Chapter 2 presents the aims of this thesis and the specific objectives that are addressed in the following chapters. ¿Chapter 3 is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs), which are later used as magnetic seeds for the synthesis of core-shell M-MSNs. USPIONs are prepared through a simple coprecipitation method using mild reaction conditions. The obtained nanoparticles are fully characterized and their magnetic properties are analyzed focusing on magnetic hyperthermia and dual MR imaging applications. ¿Chapter 4 is a comprehensive study about the preparation of monodisperse core-shell M-MSNs. The main concepts related to the synthesis and formation mechanisms of this type of nanomaterials are revised, together with the reaction parameters that are expected to have a major contribution on the reaction. As a starting point, a general synthetic protocol for the synthesis of core-shell M-MSNs is presented. Then, specific reaction parameters are investigated in order to understand their effect on the physico-chemical properties of the obtained nanoparticles. The application of a semi-empirical model to the optimization stage is presented in an attempt to provide an adequate reference framework to understand the formation of this complex nanodevices. ¿Chapter 5 presents a detailed analysis about the characterization of mesoporous silica materials and, in particular, the assessment of the mesoporous structure of MSNs with a radial distribution of wormhole-like channels. The effects that specific reaction parameters have on the mesoporous silica structure of core-shell M-MSNs are also analysed, providing additional information about the formation of this type of nanoparticles. ¿Chapter 6 gathers the main conclusions of this thesis. / Sánchez Cabezas, S. (2019). Development of a reproducible and optimized synthetic protocol for the preparation of monodisperse core-shell-type magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/129878

Mimicking nature gives rise to many important facets of biomaterials. This study is inspired by nature and reports on the fabrication of an intercalated polymer-NiTi nanocomposite that mimics the structural order of urethral tissue performing micturition. PTFE is chosen due to its hydrophobicity, low surface energy, and thermal and chemical stability. NiTi has been selected as a prime candidate for this research due to its excellent mechanical stability, corrosion resistance, energy absorbance, shape memory and biocompatibility. Nanoscale engineering of intercalated nanocomposites is done by PVD sputtering PTFE and NiTi. FTIR spectroscopy confirms that PTFE reforms as polymer chains after sputtering. Suitable PVD sputtering parameters were selected by investigating their influence on deposition rates, microstructure and properties of PTFE and NiTi thin films. PTFE forms stable nanocomposite coatings with NiTi and displays favourable surface interactions, known as ‘intercalation’. Intercalated PTFE-NiTi films were fabricated as layered and co-sputtered thin films. Co-sputtered nanocomposites contained nearly one-third vacant sites within its internal microstructure because of intercalation while intercalation introduced minute pits in fibrous NiTi columns of layered nanocomposites. These pits allow PTFE to extend their chains and crosslinks, resulting in microstructural and functional changes in the thin films. Intercalated PTFE-NiTi nanocomposites offer a close match to the natural tissue in terms of responding to the fluid contact (wetting angle modifications), and allow the soft and hard matter to incorporate in one framework without any chemical reactions (intercalation). An intercalated microstructure in co-sputtered and layered nanocomposites was verified by EDS-SEM and EDS-TEM techniques. The functional responses were witnessed by changes in water contact angle (WCA) and coefficient of friction (CoF) values measured on the film surface. The WCA (99°) and CoF (0.1 – 0.2) of the intercalated nanocomposite (sample PNT12) were different to the NiTi (top layer). WCA and CoF indicate the internal microstructural interactions because of intercalation. Although the pseudoelastic behaviour of NiTi can provide additional fluid response but the difficulty is an absence of crystallinity in as-deposited NiTi, and the heat treatment that melts PTFE. However, DSC and XRD techniques were employed to find the optimum NiTi composition and transition temperatures for phase transformation related to pseudoelasticity. This study provides the basis to incorporate the shape memory (pseudoelasticity or thermal shape memory effect (shape memory effect)) features of NiTi into the intercalated nanocomposite in future. The intercalated PTFE-NiTi nanocomposite reveals a fascinating research precinct, having the response generating characteristics similar to that of natural tissue.

Polymer-based piezoelectric and triboelectric generators form the basis of well-known energy harvesting methods that are capable of transforming ambient vibrational energy into electrical energy via electrical polarization changes in a material and contact electrification, respectively. However, the low energy conversion efficiency and limited thermal stability of polymeric materials hinder practical application. While nanostructured polymers and polymer-based nanocomposites have been widely studied to overcome these limitations, the performance improvement has not been satisfactory due to limitations pertaining to long-standing problems associated with polymeric materials; such as low crystallinity of nanostructured polymers, and in the case of nanocomposites, poor dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. In this thesis, novel functional polymeric nanomaterials, for stable and physically robust energy harvesting applications, are proposed by developing advanced nanofabrication methods. The focus is on ferroelectric polymeric nanomaterials, as this class of materials is particularly well-suited for both piezoelectric and triboelectric energy harvesting. The thesis is broadly divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Nylon-11 nanowires grown by a template-wetting method. Nylon-11 was chosen due to its reasonably good ferroelectric properties and high thermal stability, relative to more commonly studied ferroelectric polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE)). However, limitations in thin-film fabrication of Nylon-11 have led to poor control over crystallinity, and thus investigation of this material for practical applications had been mostly discontinued, and its energy harvesting potential never fully realised. The work in this thesis shows that these problems can be overcome by adopting nanoporous template-wetting as a versatile tool to grow Nylon-11 nanowires with controlled crystallinity. Since the template-grown Nylon-11 nanowires exhibit a polarisation without any additional electrical poling process by exploiting the nanoconfinement effect, they have been directly incorporated into nano-piezoelectric generators, exhibiting high temperature stability and excellent fatigue performance. To further enhance the energy harvesting capability of Nylon-11 nanowires, a gas -flow assisted nano-template (GANT) infiltration method has been developed, whereby rapid crystallisation induced by gas-flow leads to the formation of the ferroelectric δʹ-phase. The well-defined crystallisation conditions resulting from the GANT method not only lead to self-polarization but also increases average crystallinity from 29 % to 38 %. δʹ-phase Nylon-11 nanowires introduced into a prototype triboelectric generator are shown to give rise to a six-fold increase in output power density as observed relative to the δʹ-phase film-based device. Interestingly, based on the accumulated understanding of the template-wetting method, Nylon-11, and energy harvesting devices, it was found that thermodynamically stable α-phase Nylon-11 nanowires are most suitable for triboelectric energy generators, but not piezoelectric generators. Notably, definitive dipole alignment of α-phase nanowires is shown to have been achieved for the first time via a novel thermally assisted nano-template infiltration (TANI) method, resulting in exceptionally strong and thermally stable spontaneous polarization, as confirmed by molecular structure simulations. The output power density of a triboelectric generator based on α-phase nanowires is shown to be enhanced by 328 % compared to a δʹ-phase nanowire-based device under the same mechanical excitation. The second part of the thesis presents recent progress on polymer-based multi-layered nanocomposites for energy harvesting applications. To solve the existing issues related to poor dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, a dual aerosol-jet printing method has been developed and applied. As a result, outstanding dispersion and distribution. Furthermore, this method allows precise control of the various physical properties of interest, including the dielectric permittivity. The resulting nanocomposite contributes to an overall enhancement of the device capacitance, which also leads to high-performance triboelectric generators. This thesis therefore presents advances in novel functional polymeric nanomaterials for energy harvesting applications, with improved performance and thermal stability. It further offers insight regarding the long-standing issues in the field of Nylon-11, template-wetting, and polymer-based nanocomposites.

D. Tech. (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology / In the present era of water resources scarcity, efficient treatment of wastewater is a major prerequisite especially for growing economy. Numerous approaches have been studied for the development of cheaper and more effective adsorbents for removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater. The present study seeks to harness the potential of biosorption and nanotechnology by producing more efficient, selective, mechanically stable and effective adsorbents for removal of organic and inorganic pollutants. The biosorbent-magnetic nanomaterial was synthesized by coating magnetite nanoparticles with sodium hydroxide treated pine cone by co-precipitation method. Magnetite coated pine bio-composite was then modified by cross-linking with hexamethylene diisocyanate and epichlorohydrin to the molecular recognition compound “cyclodextrin”. These novel biosorbent-magnetic nanoparticle materials were explored in overcoming the drawbacks of the biosorbent alone and selectively remove inorganic and organic pollutants from complex matrices. The synthesized materials were characterized by several analytical techniques including, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM–EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer, Emmett and Teller Isotherm (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc). Sodium hydroxide treated pine cone and magnetite coated pine cone were applied for both chromium(VI) and arsenic(III) adsorption while the magnetite coated pine cone, magnetite coated pine cone crosslinked to cyclodextrin using both epichlorohydrin and hexamethylene diisocyanate were applied for 4-nitrophenol removal from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption studies were performed to optimize operating parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and initial concentration. Pseudo first, pseudo second, intraparticle diffusion, pore and film diffusion kinetic models were determined to investigate the mechanism of adsorption process. Coefficient of correlation, r2, and variable error, methods were also applied in the determination of the best fit of the kinetic method. Structural characterization of magnetite coated pine cone and the magnetite coated pine crosslinked to cyclodextrin using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and epichlorohydrin were confirmed by characterization techniques applied. The adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III) and 4-nitrophenol was found to be dependent on the solution pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration, temperature and ionic strength. Kinetic modelling revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III) and 4-nitrophenol is controlled by pseudo second order kinetic model suggesting surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion model. Intraparticle, pore and film diffusion models gave further insight into the controlling diffusion mechanism involved in the adsorption process for all pollutants investigated. Equilibrium studies indicated that the adsorption of all pollutants followed Langmuir isotherm indicating that adsorption sites are homogeneous in nature. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III) and 4-nitrophenol were spontaneous, favourable and endothermic in nature. Anionic effect positively affected Cr(VI) and As(III) removal but had a negative effect on the 4-nitrophenol adsorption. Adsorption of 4-nitrophenol onto the nanocomposite adsorbents was attributed to multiple adsorbent-adsorbate interactions such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic attraction and guest host interaction. Magnetite coated pine better removed Cr(VI) and As(III) from aqueous solution than NaOH treated pine cone biomaterial while the magnetite coated pine crosslinked to cyclodextrin using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate exhibited better adsorption performance for 4-nitrophenol removal than the nanocomposite crosslinked using epichlorohydrin and the magnetite coated pine cone.

En Europe, le secteur du bâtiment représente près de la moitié de la consommation énergétique totale (dont 60 % pour le chauffage et la climatisation) et des rejets de CO2. Ainsi, une maîtrise de la consommation énergétique dans différents secteurs (bâtiment, transports et industrie) est nécessaire. L’utilisation de matériaux « super-isolants » thermiques tels que les panneaux isolants sous vide (PIV) dans la rénovation et dans de nouvelles constructions à très faible consommation énergétique sont prometteurs. Un PIV est composé d’un matériau de cœur thermoscellé dans une enveloppe hermétique mise sous vide. Le cœur est constitué d’un empilement de nano poudres de silices à très forte porosité (> 90%) et à très fine structure poreuse (< 200 nm). Deux types de silices sont utilisés : les silices pyrogénées (FS) avec lesquelles on obtient des PIV manipulables pour une densité de cœur de 160 kg/m3 après compaction contre 250 kg/m3 pour les silices précipitées (PS). Les PIV à base de silices FS sont plus efficaces thermiquement et mécaniquement que ceux à base de silice PS, mais restent plus coûteux. Cette étude propose de comprendre les différences de propriétés mécaniques entre les compacts de silice FS et PS. Ainsi, les comportements en compression œdométrique et en indentation sphérique d’une silice pyrogénée Konasil 200 et de deux silices précipitées Tixosil 43 et 365 ont été analysés. Ceux-ci sont complétés par des observations structurales en microscopie électronique à transmission (MET) et en diffusion de rayons X aux petits angles (SAXS). Le couplage de ces résultats à l’étude du vieillissement et de la structure multiéchelles des poudres permet d'identifier les causes des écarts des propriétés observées entre silices FS et PS. Ainsi, l’impact de la chimie de surface et de l’organisation multiéchelles entre les objets observés est mis en évidence pour expliquer les différences de propriétés mécaniques entre silices FS et PS. / Buildings account for almost the half of the total energy consumption (60% for heating and cooling) and CO2 emissions in Europe. Thus, the control of energy consumption in building appears as critical. In that perspective, "super-thermal insulating" materials such as vacuum insulation panels (VIP) are promising, both for buildings renovation, and for new energy-efficient constructions. A VIP is composed by a sealed core material in which vacuum is established. The core is made of an open nanoporous stack of silica powders with very high porosity (> 90%) and very fine porous structure (< 200 nm). Two types of silica are typically used: first fumed silica (FS) which enable to process panels with a sufficient compression strength for handling for a density as low as 160 kg/m3, second precipitated silica (PS) which enable to process denser panels with a minimal density of about 250 kg/m3. VIPs made of FS powders are more efficient in terms of thermal and mechanical properties as compared of VIP made of PS powders. However, their price is higher. This study aims at understanding the differences in mechanical properties noted between compacted FS and PS powders. Oedometric compression tests and spherical indentation test were carried out on compacts of Konasil 200 FS silica and on compacts of Tixosil 43 and 365 PS silica. In addition, structural observations of the powders were made using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). These results permit to identify the parameters leading differences between FS and PS powders. Thus, surface chemistry, multiscale organization and interactions forces are highlighted to explain the differences in mechanical properties between compacts of FS and PS silica.

Nanobelts are a new class of semiconducting metal oxide nanowires with great potential for nanoscale devices. The present research focuses on the manipulation of SnO₂ nanobelts suspended in ethanol using microfluidics and electric fields. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) was demonstrated for the first time on semiconducting metal oxide nanobelts, which also resulted in the fabrication of a multiple nanobelt device. Detailed and direct real-time observations of the wide variety of nanobelt motions induced by DEP forces were conducted using an innovative setup and an inverted optical microscope. High AC electric fields were generated on a gold microelectrode (~ 20 µm gap) array, patterned on glass substrate, and covered by a ~ 10 µm tall PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) channel, into which the nanobelt suspension was introduced for performing the DEP experiments. Negative DEP (repulsion) of the nanobelts was observed in the low frequency range (< 100 kHz) of the applied voltage, which caused rigid body motion as well as deformation of the nanobelts. In the high frequency range (~ 1 MHz - 10 MHz), positive DEP (attraction) of the nanobelts was observed. Using a parallel plate electrode arrangement, evidence of electrophoresis was also found for DC and low frequency (Hz) voltages. The existence of negative DEP effect is unusual considering the fact that if bulk SnO₂ conductivity and permittivity values are used in combination with ethanol properties to calculate the Clausius Mossotti factor using the simple dipole approximation theory; it predicts positive DEP for most of the frequency range experimentally studied. A fluidic nanobelt alignment technique was studied and used in the fabrication of single nanobelt devices with small electrode gaps. These devices were primarily used for conducting impedance spectroscopy measurements to obtain an estimate of the nanobelt electrical conductivity. Parametric numerical studies were conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics software package to understand the different aspects of the DEP phenomenon in nanobelts. The DEP induced forces and torques were computed using the Maxwell Stress Tensor (MST) approach. The DEP force on the nanobelt was calculated for a range of nanobelt conductivity values. The simulation results indicate that the experimentally observed behavior can be explained if the nanobelt is modeled as having two components: an electrically conductive interior and a nonconductive outer layer surrounding it. This forms the basis for an explanation of the negative DEP observed in SnO₂ nanobelts suspended in ethanol. It is thought that the nonconductive layer is due to depletion of the charge carriers from the nanobelt surface regions. This is consistent with the fact that surface depletion is a commonly observed phenomenon in SnO₂ and other semiconducting metal oxide materials. The major research contribution of this work is that, since nanostructures have large surface areas, surface dominant properties are important. Considering only bulk electrical properties can predict misleading DEP characteristics.

Oxide ultra-thin film surfaces have properties and structures that are significantly different from the terminations of the corresponding bulk crystals. For example, surface structures of epitaxial ultra-thin oxide films are highly influenced by the crystallinity and electronegativity of the metal substrates they grown on. Some enhanced properties of the novel reconstructions are related to catalysis, sensing and microelectronics, which has resulted in an increasing interest in this field. Ultra-thin TiO_x films were grown on Au(111) substrates in this work. Two well-ordered structures within monolayer coverage - honeycomb (HC) and pinwheel - were generated and investigated. Special attention has been paid to the uniform (2 x 2) Ti₂O₃ HC phase including its regular structure and imperfections such as domain boundaries (DBs) and point defects. Linear DBs with long-range repeating units have been observed; density functional theory (DFT) modelling has been used to simulate their atomic structures and calculate their formation energies. Rotational DBs/defects show up less frequently, however a six-fold symmetrical 'snowflake' DB loop stands out. Two types of point defects have been discovered and assigned to Ti vacancies and oxygen vacancies/hydroxyl groups. Their diffusion manners and pairing habits have been discussed within an experimental context. The results of growing NbO_x ultra-thin films on Au(111) are also presented in this thesis. An identical looking (2 x 2) HC structure to the Ti₂O₃ ultra-thin film has been formed; a stoichiometry of Nb2O3 is suggested. Another interesting reconstruction is a hollow triangle structure. Various sizes have been found, and sides of these equilateral triangles all show a double-line feature aligned along the { 1 ₁⁻ } directions of the Au(111) lattice. Chemical composition characterisations of NbO_x thin films are still required as is DFT modelling. Experimental techniques used in this thesis include scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Ultra-thin oxide films were created by physical vapour deposition (PVD) in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems.

Orientador: Newton Luiz Dias Filho / Banca: Devaney Ribeiro do Carmo / Banca: Eudes Borges de Araujo / Banca: André Henrique Rosa / Banca: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto / O Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais, PosMat, tem caráter institucional e integra as atividades de pesquisa em materiais de diversos campi da Unesp / Resumo: Neste trabalho nós reportamos a síntese, caracterização, adsorção e propriedades dos materiais nomeados de octa[3-(2-amino-1,3,4-tiadiazol)propil]silsesquioxano (ATD-SSQ), octa[3-(3-amino-1,2,4-triazol)propil]silsesquioxano (ATZ-SSQ), octa[3-94-amino-2-mercaptopirimidina)propil]silsesquioxano (4-MCP-SSQ), octa[3-(2-mercaptopirimidina)propil]silsesquioxano (MCP-SSQ) e octa[3-(tioureia)propil]silsesquioxano (TIOU-SSQ). As isotermas de adsorção do M'X IND. 2'(M = Cu(II),Ni(II); X ='Cl POT.-', 'Br POT.-') para ATD-SSQ, ATZ-SSQ, 4MCP-SSQ e TIOU-SSQ. Foram estudadas em solução aquosa e etanólica a 25ºC. As adsorções em solução de etanol foram mais altas que em solução aquosa devido a alta polaridade da água, com maior força de solvatação do soluto e sítios básicos na superfície. As isotermas de adsorção de Cu'Cl IND. 2', Cu'Br IND. 2' e Ni'Cl IND. 2', em soluções etanólica e aquosa foram executadas usando o método da batelada. As condições de equilíbrio foram observadas em um tempo abaixo de 20min para todos os nanomateriais. Os resultados obtidos em experimentos de fluxo usando o método de coluna, demonstraram uma recuperação de 100% dos íons metálicos adsorvidos em uma coluna empacotada com 2g de nanomaterial, usando mL de HCl 1 mol 'L POT. -1' como solução eluente. A sorção-desorção dos íons metálicos possibilitou o desenvolvimento de um método para pré-concentração e determinação de íons metálicos a nível traço em etanol comercial, usado como combustível para automóveis. Os valores determinados pelo método recomendado para as usinas 1, 2 e 3 indicaram uma quantidade de cobre de 51,60 e 78 mg 'L POT. -1', e de ferro de 2, 15, e 3 mg 'L POT. -1', respectivamente. O ATZ-SSQ também foi testado para a determinação (em fluxo usando a técnica de coluna) dos íons metálicos presentes em águas naturais. Estes valores obtidos foram... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In this work we report on the synthesis, characterization, adsorption and properties of the nanomaterials named octa[3-(2-amino-1,3,4-tiadiazole)propyl]silsesquioxane (ATD-SSQ), octakis[3-(3-amino-1,2,4-triazole)propyl]silsesquioxane (ATZ-SSQ), octakis[3-94-amino-2-mercaptopirimidine)propyl]silsesquioxane (4-MCP-SSQ), octakis[3-(2-mercaptopirimidina)propyl]silsesquioxano (MCP-SSQ) e octakis[3-(thioureia)propyl]silsesquioxane (TIOU-SSQ). The isotherms of M'X IND. 2'(M = Cu(II),Ni(II); X ='Cl POT.-', 'Br POT.-') para ATD-SSQ, ATZ-SSQ, 4MCP-SSQ e TIOU-SSQ. Were studied in ethanol and aqueous solutions at 298K. Adsorptions from ethanol solutions were higher than those from aqueous solutions due to the higher polarity of water, which can more strongly solvate the solute and the basic sites on the surface. The adsorption isotherms for Cu'Cl IND. 2', Cu'Br IND. 2' and Ni'Cl IND. 2' from ethanol and aqueous solutions were performed by using the batchwise method. The equilibrium condition is reached at time lower than 20 min for all nanomaterials, ATD-SSQ, ATZ-SSQ, 4MCP-SSQ, MCP-SSQ and TIOU-SSQ. The results obtained in the flow using a column experiments, showed a recovery of the 100% of the metal ions adsorbed in a column packed with 2g of the nanomaterial, using 5 mL of 1.0 mol 'L POT. -1' HCl solution as eluent. The sorption-desorption of the metal ions made possible the development of a method for preconcentration and determination of metal ions at trace level in commercial ethanol, used as fuel for car engines. The values determined by recommended method for plants 1, 2 and 3 indicated an amount of copper of 51, 60, and 78 'L POT. -1', and of iron of 2, 15, and 3mg 'L POT. -1', resoectuvely. The ATZ-SSQ was also tested for the determination (in flow using a column technique) of the metal ions present in natural waters. These values are very close... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

In the present work a new synthesis route, a hybrid between solid state reaction and proteic sol-gel method, is applied to a scintillator material based on Ca2Al2SiO7 (CAS). The luminescence mechanisms for the nanostructured scintillator is studied a mechanism that describes the luminescence process, when excited with X-rays, is proposed. The same system was also prepared via other 2 different methodologies, solid state traditional route, proteic sol-gel route, and 3 different solvents were used, for comparison in the hybrid method. In all cases the CAS phase was found as indicated by X-ray powder diffraction. During the thermal evolution of CAS precursors prepared via hybrid route assisted by coconut water, intermediate oxide phases were formed and they reacted with SiO2 to form the final CAS phase. SEM images indicated that the organic molecules present in the coconut water play an important role in the nanoparticle formation defining the average size and morphology, Samples prepared via the hybrid route showed particle with spherical shape with average size of (36 ± 15) nm. Analysis carried out via photoemission spectroscopy indicated that Si ions are the most abundant cation on surface of the particles produces via hybrid methods and solid state reaction. X-ray absorption (XAS) revealed that the Si coordination environment did not change during the synthesis. The XAS technique also indicated that the main valence for the dopants in CAS structure and the emission spectra obtained via pholuminescence and X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) confirmed that the main emissions are related to the dopants on the CAS matrix. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure revealed the location of the dopants in the CAS matrix, and the most probable defect generated for the dopant presence. XEOL excitation spectra showed different behaviors for the luminescence around K edge of the matrix elements. The XEOL decay time indicated that fast scintillators were produced when CAS were doped with Ce3+ with characteristic constants lower than 40 ns. The results time dependent XEOL emission also showed that the luminescence decay curves are influenced by the presence of electrons and holes shallow traps in the CAS electronic structure. / No presente trabalho uma nova rota de síntese, híbrida entre as sínteses de estado sólido e sol-gel proteico, é aplicada a um material cintilador baseado na matriz cristalina Ca2Al2SiO7 (CAS). Adicionalmente, o mecanismo de luminescência destes cintiladores nanoestruturados é estudado e um modelo é proposto. Para efeito de comparação com a rota de síntese híbrida, amostras foram também preparadas por sol-gel proteico e síntese de estado sólido, e com a variação do solvente na síntese híbrida. Os resultados de difração de raios X mostraram que as amostras apresentaram a fase cristalina de Ca2Al2SiO7 após calcinação acima de 1300°C. Durante a evolução térmica dos precursores preparados pelo método híbrido assistido por água de coco, fases cristalinas intermediárias são formadas e estas reagem com o SiO2, até a formação do CAS. As imagens obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura indicaram que as moléculas orgânicas presentes na água de coco são decisivas no controle do tamanho e morfologia das nanopartículas obtidas pelo método híbrido, e as partículas apresentam formato esférico e tamanho médios de (36 ± 15) nm. A espectroscopia de fotoemissão revelou que o Si é o elemento mais abundante na superfície das amostras produzidas pelos métodos híbridos e síntese de estado sólido. Enquanto a absorção de raios X (XAS) mostrou que a coordenação do Si não muda durante a síntese. A XAS também indicou as valências mais abundantes dos íons dopantes do CAS e os espectros de emissão fotoluminescente e de luminescência óptica estimulada por raios X (XEOL) confirmaram que estes são os canais luminescentes dos materiais. Com a análise da estrutura fina de absorção de raios X foi possível localizar os sítios ocupados pelos dopantes no CAS, assim como estimar o tipo de defeito mais provável, gerado pela presença destes íons. Os espectros de excitação XEOL mostraram comportamentos diferentes para a luminescência na região das bordas K de absorção dos elementos da matriz. As medidas de tempo de decaimento da luminescência indicaram a obtenção de cintiladores muito rápidos, com constantes características menores que 40 ns em todas as amostras que contém Ce3+ e que o processo de decaimento também está associado à presença de armadilhas de portadores de cargas na estrutura eletrônica do material.