Três macroiniciadores foram sintetizados baseados em tioxantona; MMa-co-TXA, BMa-co-TXA e HMa-co-TXA. Estes macroiniciadores possuem vantagens em relação aos compostos de baixa massa molar apesar do seu alto custo. A fotoatividade destes macroiniciadores e da tioxantona para a polimerização de monômeros monofuncional (MMA) e multifuncionais, 2,2-bis[4-(2-hidroxi-3-metacriloxipropoxi)fenil]propano (Bis-GMA) e dimetacrilato de trietilenoglicol (TEGDMA) foi examinada com as técnicas de Fotocalorimetria Exploratória Diferencial e Espectroscopia de Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier com acessório de ATR. Os co-iniciadores usados foram as aminas EDB, TEA e DMAEMA. Todos os sistemas foram estudados na ausência de solvente. Os resultados mostraram que os macroiniciadores são mais eficientes do que o composto de baixa massa molar. Medidas de fotólise por pulso de laser permitiram obter o espectro de absorção de transientes dos compostos estudados, bem como a constante de supressão do estado triplete pelas aminas e pelo monômero. A polimerização fotoiniciada pelos macroiniciadores na presença de aminas e dos monômeros foi estudada com o objetivo de se determinar o mecanismo que leva à formação dos radicais iniciadores. Expressões para o rendimento quântico de radicais ativos foram deduzidas a partir do mecanismo proposto. Resultados mostraram que a produção de radicais ativos para os macroiniciadores é maior do que a tioxantona. / In this work three macroinitiators based on thioxanthone were synthesized and characterized; MMA-co-TXA, BMA-co-TXA and HMA-co-TXA. Macroinitiators offer some advantages when compared with their corresponding low molecular weight analog. The photopolymerization initiated by macroinitiators and thioxanthone of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and mixtures of 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy- 3-metacryloxipropoxi)phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was studied through Photocalorimetry (Photo-DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with ATR accessory. All systems were studied in the absence of solvent (bulk) using EDB, TEA and DMAEMA, as co-initiators. Measures of Laser Flash Photolysis determined the transient absorption spectra of the compounds and also the bimolecular rate constants for the triplet quenching of the compounds. The polymerization reaction of the macroinitiator in presence of amine and monomer was studied in order to determine the mechanism leading to the formation of radical initiators. Expressions for the quantum yield of radicals assets were deducted from the proposed mechanism. Results showed that the radical production assets to macroinitiator is greater than the thioxanthone, making macroinitiators more efficient than the low molecular weight compound.

Foram sintetizados a 5-tia-pentaceno-14-ona (TX-A) e a 5-tia-naftaceno-12-ona (TX-Np), dois compostos derivados da tioxantona, para serem usados como fotiniciadores em reações de polimerização de diacrilatos. Após purificação usando cromatografia em coluna e líquida de alta eficiência, esses compostos foram caracterizados por análise elementar (AE), espectroscopia na região do infravermelho (IV) e de ressonância magnética nuclear de próton (1H RMN). A caracterização do comportamento espectroscópico dos compostos foi feita utilizando-se espectroscopia na região do ultravioleta e visível (UV-vis) e de fluorescência. A UV-vis revelou que a TX-A apresenta maior absorção na região do visível em relação à TX-Np. Os resultados de fluorescência evidenciaram a dependência do solvente na emissão, juntamente com o comportamento das transições presentes. Os tempos de vida das espécies singlete foram determinados como sendo da ordem de nanosegundos, sendo maior em meio de solventes hidroxílicos polares. A fotólise por pulso de laser foi utilizada para estudar a absorção dos transientes, demonstrando que a TX-Np apresenta três máximos de absorção em 340, 450 e 590 nm, que foram atribuídos aos transientes do estado triplete/radical, radical cetila e ao estado triplete respectivamente, cujos tempos de vida se situam na ordem de microssegundos. Já a TX-A apresentou dois máximos de absorção em 415 e 515 nm, que correspondem à absorção do estado triplete do antraceno resultante da transferência de intramolecular de energia entre grupos da molécula. A avaliação do desempenho de ambos os compostos como fotoiniciadores foi feita com o auxílio da Fotocalorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (Foto-DSC) usando-se como modelo uma mistura dos monômeros BisGMa (dimetacrilato de bisfenilglicidila) e TEGDMA (dimetacrilato de trienilo glicol) nas proporções: 70:30; 30:70 e 50:50 (m/m), respectivamente. Estes estudos demonstraram que utilizando-se a TX-Np como fotoiniciador, a polimerização ocorreu com maior velocidade no sistema contendo maior proporção de BisGMA, que torna o sistema mais viscoso. Entretanto, maiores graus de conversão foram obtidos utilizando maiores proporções de TEGDMA, ou seja, misturas menos viscosa. Utilizando a TX-A, o sistema contendo BisGMA e TEGDMA na proporção 70:30 (m/m), apresentou maior velocidade de polimerização, enquanto a mistura contendo quantidades de massa iguais dos dois monômeros foi a que apresentou o maior grau de conversão. Quanto à influência de O2, apenas a TX-A apresentou resultado significativo na polimerização, quando o experimento foi realizado em ar. / The 5-thia-pentacene-14-one (TX-A) and 5-thia-naphthacene-12-one (TX-Np), both derivatives of thioxanthone have been synthesized and evaluated in relation to their performance as photoinitiators in diacrylates polymerization reaction. After purifying by column and liquid chromatography the compounds were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), spectroscopy in the infrared region (IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The spectral behavior of the thioxanthone derivatives was performed by spectroscopy in the ultraviolet and visible range (Uv-vis) and fluorescence. The UV-vis results revealed that TX-A presents higher absorption in the visible range than the TX-Np. The fluorescence data evidenced a dependence of the solvent nature in the emission. The life time of singlet species was determined as in the nano-seconds level, being higher in polar hydroxilic solvents medium. The laser flash-photolysis was used to investigate the transients absorption, revealing that the TX-Np have three absorption maxima at 340, 450 and 590 nm, which were attributed to the triplet state/radical, cetyl radical and triplet state, respectively, whose lifetimes were in the microseconds scale. Meanwhile, the TX-A showed two absorption maxima at 415 and 515 nm corresponding to the anthracene triplet state absorption from an intramolecular energy transfer between groups of the molecule. The performance of both photoinitiators had been evaluated by Photocalorimetry, using a mixture of bisphenylglycidyl dimetacrilate (BisGMA) and triethileneglycol dimetracrylate (TEGDMA) containing 70:30; 30:70 and 50:50 (w/w) of each monomer respectively. Such studies demonstrated that using TX-Np as a photoinitiator the rate of polymerization was higher when larger amounts of BisGMA is used in the mixture, making the system more viscous. However higher conversion degrees were found when higher amounts of TEGDMA are used, that means in less viscous mixtures. When TX-A is used as a photoinitiator the system containing 70:30 (w/w) of BisGMA and TEGDMA, showed higher rate of polymerizations while the mixture containing equal amounts of both monomers presented a higher conversion degree. Concerning the O2 influence, only the TX-A presented a significant polymerization extent when the experiment was performed in the presence of air.

Os contaminantes emergentes são considerados compostos onipresentes em águas, portanto investigar a degradação e comportamento dessas substâncias torna-se necessária, pois é reportado que estes compostos causam efeitos adversos em seres vivos. O composto 2-(tiocianometiltio) benzotiazol (TCMTB), considerado um contaminante emergente, é amplamente empregado na indústria do couro como biocida com a finalidade de inibir o desenvolvimento de microrganismos na pele. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a degradação do contaminante emergente TCMTB, por meio das técnicas de fotólise direta com radiação UV, radiação solar e oxidação com ozônio. Experimentos de fotólise direta do TCMTB, em soluções aquosas com diferentes concentrações, em efluente do processo de remolho e efluente simulado do remolho, foram conduzidos em reator com lâmpada de vapor de mercúrio (250 W). O teste de hidrólise foi realizado protegido da luz, a temperatura ambiente com diferentes concentrações do TCMTB para observar o comportamento do contaminante na ausência de luz. O maior coeficiente de absorção molar foi medido e identificado em 220 e 280 nm como 20489 e 11317 M-1 cm-1, respectivamente, para pH 5,0. Os resultados experimentais da fotodegradação mostraram que TCMTB foi rapidamente degradado por fotólise direta em soluções aquosas em 30 min de tratamento fotolítico. Os resultados do estudo do pH, demonstraram que pH interfere no processo fotoquímico, uma vez que em condições alcalinas o composto é mais estável e a taxa de fotodegradação diminui. Os ensaios com o efluente do processo de remolho mostraram que a degradação do TCMTB tem comportamento semelhante às soluções aquosas. O efluente simulado do remolho mostrou que uma alta concentração do contaminante leva a um maior tempo de irradiação de luz para a degradação. A aplicação de luz natural evidenciou degradação mais lenta, mas ainda assim, foi possível observar degradação de até 96% para a concentração de 6 mg L-1 em 420 min. A utilização do oxidante ozônio como tratamento, alcançou 40% de remoção do contaminante em 30 min, assinalando a alta estabilidade do composto. Portanto, este trabalho aponta o potencial do uso de fotólise direta (luz v artificial), ou radiação solar (luz natural) para a degradação de contaminantes emergentes como o 2 (tiocianometiltio) benzotiazol (TCMTB). / Emerging contaminants are considered omnipresent compounds in water, thus investigate the degradation and behavior of these substances becomes necessary as it is reported that these compounds cause adverse effects on living beings. The 2- (thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole compound (TCMTB), considered an emerging contaminant, is widely used in the leather industry as a microbicide for the purpose of inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the skin and leather. In this context, the purpose of the present work was to study the degradation of the emerging contaminant TCMTB by direct photolysis with UV radiation, solar radiation and ozone. Experiments of direct photolysis of the TCMTB in aqueous solutions with different concentrations, in the effluent from the soaking process were conducted in a reactor with mercury vapor lamp (250 W). The hydrolysis test was performed protected from light at room temperature with different concentrations of TCMTB to observe the behavior of the contaminant in the absence of light. The highest molar absorption coefficient was measured and identified at 220 and 280 nm as 20489 and 11317 M-1 cm -1, respectively, at pH 5.0. The experimental results of photodegradation showed that TCMTB was rapidly degraded by direct photolysis in aqueous solutions in 30 min of photolytic treatment. The results of the pH study showed that pH interfered in the photochemical process, since under alkaline conditions the compound is more stable and the photodegradation rate decreases. Assays of the direct photolysis in effluent from the soaking process have shown that TCMTB degradation behaves similarly to aqueous solutions. The direct photolysis of the the simulated effluent from the soaking showed that a high concentration of the contaminant leads to a longer time of light irradiation for degradation. The application of natural light evidenced slower degradation, however, it was possible to observe degradation of up to 96% for the 6 mg L-1 concentration with 420 min. The use of the ozone oxidant as a treatment, achieved 40% removal of the contaminant for 30 min of treatment, indicating the high stability of the compound. Therefore, this work highlights the potential of the use of direct photolysis (artificial light), or solar radiation (natural light) for the vii degradation of emerging contaminants such as 2 (thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole (TCMTB).

Submitted by Sandra Pereira (srpereira@ufrrj.br) on 2017-08-18T16:17:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2010 - Janaina de Faria Rodrigues.pdf: 2153676 bytes, checksum: 8429cd74e923c45f3d05970bcdff87d2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-18T16:17:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2010 - Janaina de Faria Rodrigues.pdf: 2153676 bytes, checksum: 8429cd74e923c45f3d05970bcdff87d2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-06-15 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico, CNPq, Brasil. / By laser flash photolysis, the photo-reactivity of the triplet excited state of thioxanthone derivatives (2BTX, 2MeOTX, 2PrOTX and 2MeTX) was studied. The maximum wavelength and triplet time life of theirs transients are solvent dependents, a blue-shift is observed with the change of no polar to polar middle and still more in hydroxyl solvent. The triplet spectrum with hydrogen-donor solvents shows a slower broad band between 430-460nm that again is observed with hydrogen-donor quenchers, this band is attributed to ketyl radical. The broad bands in 410 and 500nm are attributed to phenoxyl, indolyl radicals and ions radicals as intermediates, respectively. The higher values to hydrogen transference from alcohols (~105 M-1s-1) and allylic hydrocarbons and phenols (~109 M-1s-1) are attributed to the triplet excited state of lower energy have a mixture of excited states with predominant character of the excited state with n?*. The no dependence to substituted-phenols on Kq and the approximated values between then and TEA, DABCO and indole (~109 M-1s-1) are indicating a mechanism by electron-transference followed a faster proton transference from an exciplex. The quenching rate contants by transfer of energy from trans-stilbene, 1-methylnaphthalene and 1,3-cyclohexadiene are controlled by diffusion for 2MeTX remaining triplet energy over 61 kcal.mol-1, as observed for TX. For the other substituents was a decrease in triplet energy is getting between 53 and 61 kcal.mol-1. / Utilizando-se a t?cnica de fot?lise por pulso de laser, foram estudadas a fotorreatividade do estado triplete de derivados de tioxantona (9-H-tioxanton-9-ona). Os espectros de absor??o T1?Tn para os derivados 2-benzil?xi, 2-met?xi, 2-prop?xi e 2-metil (2BTX, 2MeOTX, 2PrOTX e 2MeTX), obtidos em diversos solventes, mostram que estes se comportam de forma selhante a tioxantona. O comprimento de onda m?ximo bem como o tempo de vida de seus transientes s?o dependentes da polaridade do meio. Observou-se o deslocamento hipsocr?mico com a mudan?a de um solvente apolar para um solvente polar, tendo sido mais acentuado para os solventes polares hidroxil?cos. Nos espectros de absor??o T1?Tn em solventes doadores de hidrog?nio foi poss?vel observar a forma??o de uma banda entre regi?o de 430-460nm que foi observada novamente nas rea??es com supressores de energia triplete doadores de hidrog?nio, sendo esta banda atribu?da ao radical cetila. As bandas formadas na regi?o de 410 e 500nm s?o atribu?das ao radical fenoxila e indolila, respectivamente. Os altos valores para as constantes de velocidade de rea??o de supress?o por transfer?ncia de hidrog?nio com ?lcoois (~105 M-1s-1), hidrocarbonetos al?licos e fen?is (~109 M-1s-1) s?o atribu?dos ao fato de que o estado excitado triplete de mais baixa energia apresentar uma mistura de estados excitado com predomin?ncia do car?ter n?*. A n?o depend?ncia das kq para os fen?is de seus substituintes e os valores pr?ximos das rea??es para trietilamina, DABCO e indol indicam que o mecanismo de rea??o passa por uma primeira etapa de transfer?ncia de el?trons seguida de uma r?pida transfer?ncia de pr?ton a partir da forma??o de um exciplexo. As constantes de velocaide de rea??o de supress?o por transfer?ncia de energia com trans-estilbeno, 1-metil-naftaleno e 1,3-cicloexadieno s?o controladas por difus?o para 2MeTX estando a energia triplete de T1 acima de 61 kcal.mol-1, como o observado para a TX; j? para os demais substituintes houve uma diminui??o da energia triplete ficando esta entre 53 kcal.mol-1 e 61 kcal.mol-1.

Estudou-se a degradação dos fármacos acetaminofeno (ACT), atenolol (ATL), bezafibrato (BZF), diclofenaco (DIC) e ibuprofeno (IBU) em solução aquosa através de fotólise e peroxidação fotoassistida. As soluções foram caracterizadas antes e após os processos de fotólise e UV/H&#8322O&#8322 quanto à degradação dos fármacos e à remoção de carbono orgânico total. Também foi avaliada a degradação por fotólise dos fármacos em uma matriz real (efluente de estação de tratamento de esgoto, ETE). Os experimentos foram realizados em um reator anular com lâmpada de vapor de mercúrio de baixa pressão de 36 ou 75 W e concentrações iniciais de 5 ou 20 mg L&#8315&#185 de cada fármaco, em mistura e individualmente, no caso dos estudos de fotólise UV. Os resultados mostraram absorção de radiação UV (254 nm) pelo ACT superior à dos demais fármacos (&#8364=8990 L mol&#8315&#185 cm&#8315&#185), e comparativamente inferior para o ATL e IBU (&#8364=725 e 1080 L mol&#8315&#185 cm&#8315&#185, respectivamente). Não houve degradação por hidrólise após 24h em qualquer pH. O DIC e o BZF degradaram-se mais rapidamente, independentemente do processo fotoassistido. As concentrações de DIC nos experimentos realizados com [DIC]0=5 mg L&#8315&#185 ficaram abaixo do limite de detecção após 20 minutos de irradiação. Na presença de H H&#8322O&#8322 as concentrações dos contaminantes ficaram abaixo do limite de detecção após 50 minutes para concentrações iniciais de 20 mg L&#8315&#185. Os resultados dos ensaios de toxicidade nos experimentos realizados com a mistura de fármacos mostraram valores de CE50 inferiores aos valores obtidos nos experimentos com a solução dos fármacos individuais. Os valores de TOC apresentaram redução de até 13% ao final de 120 minutos, o que comprova a persistência dos produtos de degradação. A degradação por fotólise UV do ATL e do ACT ocorreu mesmo em efluente de ETE, sendo a eficiência desse processo semelhante à obtida usando-se água como matriz. Esses resultados são úteis para compreensão da remediação de águas e efluentes contendo esses contaminantes emergentes por meio de processos foto-oxidativos. / This work aimed at studying the degradation of the following pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous solution by means of photolysis and photoassisted peroxidation: acetaminophen (ACT), atenolol (ATL), bezafibrate (BZF), diclofenac (DIC), and ibuprofen (IBU). Solutions were characterized before and after photolysis and UV/H2O2 processes regarding drug degradation and total organic carbon removal. In addition, the photolysis of the pharmaceutical compounds was investigated in a real wastewater matrix (effluent from a sewage treatment plant, STP). The experiments were carried out in an annular photochemical reactor equipped with a low pressure mercury lamp (36 or 75 W) and initial solution concentrations of 5 and 20 mg L-1 of each drug, for the mixture and individual compounds, in the case of UV photolysis studies. The results revealed higher absorption of UV radiation (254 nm) by ACT than that shown by the other pharmaceutical compounds (=8990 L mol-1 cm-1), and comparatively lower for ATL and IBU (=725 and 1080 L mol-1 cm-1, respectively). No hydrolysis was observed after 24 hours at any pH. The degradation of DIC and BZF was faster, regardless the photoassisted process. DIC concentrations in the experiments carried out with [DIC]0=5 mg L-1 were below the detection limit after 20 minutes of irradiation. In the presence of H2O2, contaminant concentrations were below the detection limit after 50 minutes of irradiation for initial concentrations of 20 mg L-1. The results of the toxicity assays for the experiments carried out with the mixture of pharmaceutical compounds showed CE50 values lower than those obtained with the compounds individually. TOC removals up to 13% after 120 minutes were obtained, therefore confirming the formation of persistent degradation products. In the case of ATL and ACT, UV degradation occurred even in STP wastewater and the efficiency of the process was similar to that obtained with pure water. The results obtained in this study are useful to understand the treatment of water and wastewater contaminated with this class of emerging pollutants by means of photo-oxidative process.

For bioactive chemical classes, it is often assumed that environmental transformation eliminates associated ecosystem risks. However, for endocrine-active steroid hormones, modest changes in structure can have a significant influence on biological activity and thus, subtle environmental transformations can yield products with conserved, enhanced, or activity across different biological endpoints. The aim of this work was to explore the environmental fate of high potency, endocrine-active steroid hormones during natural or engineered water processes in order to test the hypothesis that steroid transformation products generated during these processes are likely to contribute to residual bioactivity often reported in water resources. Specifically, laboratory experiments were used to simulate chemical disinfection (e.g., chlorination) or natural processes (e.g., photolysis) to: (i) determine the rate and extent of steroid transformation, (ii) isolate and identify products that are formed, and (iii) evaluate products or product mixtures for biological activity. These experimental results can be used to help guide occurrence studies for any products of concern in the environment and also guide computational predictions or rationalizations of chemical reactivity. Ultimately, the goal is to expand upon our awareness and understanding of how these potent endocrine ligands behave in the environment and how they potentially affect ecosystem health. Chapter 2 discusses the reaction of glucocorticoids (GC)s with aqueous chlorine (effectively, HOCl) to simulate their fate during engineered drinking water and wastewater chemical disinfection. Numerous transformation pathways were unveiled, including interconversion of GCs (e.g., endogenous cortisol to synthetic prednisolone), production of known androgens in the adrenosterone class, and chlorination of GCs (e.g., formation of 9-chloro-prednisone). We also showed that other advanced processes (e.g., oxidation via ozonation) result in more complete degradation of such pollutants, and may be better alternatives to chemical disinfection at eliminating bioactive steroidal product formation. In Chapter 3, results of the direct photolysis of dienogest (DNG), a widely prescribed oral contraceptive agent, are presented to simulate its fate in natural sunlit surface waters and engineered photochemical treatment systems (e.g., UV disinfection systems). The major products (~ 80% of the converted mass in neutral aqueous solutions) were identified to be photohydrates resulting from photochemical-induced incorporation of water into parent DNG. These products were found to be prone to dehydration in the dark, and thus, a source of substantial DNG regeneration (~ 65% after 72 h in neutral solutions). Other minor, non-revertible products were also identified, including two known estrogens. Although minor in initial yield, these estrogens are likely to accumulate over time through repeated cycling between DNG and its photohydrates, and thus, dominate DNG long-term fate. It was also found that DNG undergoes an unusual photochemical rearrangement to produce a minor product with a novel tetracyclic ring system--the subject of Chapter 4. Further, the generality of this unique photorearrangement process was explored through extension to the photolysis of two other dienone pharmaceutical steroids (e.g., the androgens methyldienolone and dienedione). Surprisingly, despite the significant change in core steroidal structure, the rearrangement products retain some progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR) bioactivity (i.e., low-µM to sub-nm EC50 values). Again, these represent other non-revertible, minor products that are likely to accumulate over time, with likely adverse ecological consequences. Chapter 5 covers results arising from the direct photolysis of trenbolone acetate (TBA) metabolites in the presence of model nucleophiles (e.g., sodium azide, sodium thiosulfate, ammonium hydroxide, hydroxylamine, and humic acid), some of which would be expected to be present, along with TBA metabolites, in agriculturally-impacted water resources. Previous studies by our group revealed that TBA metabolites undergo photohydration-thermal dehydration cycling, like that described above for DNG photolysis. The objective of this study was to determine if other nucleophiles would outcompete water for photochemical incorporation across the TBA metabolite extended conjugation system. It was found that TBA metabolite photolysis results in photochemical (and at times thermal) addition of the nucleophile to the TBA metabolites. It was also found that the addition products undergo thermal elimination in the dark and contribute to TBA metabolite regeneration, and therefore, are expected to increase TBA metabolite persistence in water resources. Finally, Chapter 6 discusses the reactions of various trienone and dienone steroids with aqueous chlorine to simulate their fate during engineered drinking water and wastewater chemical disinfection. Single-step transformation pathways were unveiled for each steroid class, including 4-chlorination (trienones) and 9,10-epoxidation (dienones). Chlorination at position C-4 is known to enhance anabolic potency of androgenic steroids and the 9,10-epoxy products were found to undergo acid- or base-catalyzed ring-opening and aromatization to yield known estrogenic products. In addition, Chapter 7 provides conclusions and future directions, while Chapter 8 details the experimental methods and procedures used throughout this thesis. Collectively, the results presented herein confirm our overall hypothesis that steroid transformation products would be expected to contribute to residual biological activity often detected in water resources. Furthermore, the results indicate that the transformation of high potency pharmaceuticals does not automatically equate with reduction or elimination of hazards to exposed organisms, especially in cases where such compounds have potential to form products exhibiting diverse biological endpoints. More holistic approaches to risk assessment of such high potency environmental contaminants are needed in order to accurately assess the fate and effects of such emerging pollutant classes and their bioactive transformation products.

<p>Nanoparticles of iron, cobalt and tungsten oxide were synthesised by photolytic laser assisted chemical vapour deposition (LCVD). An excimer laser (operating at 193 nm) was used as an excitation source. The LCVD process, was monitored <i>in situ</i> by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The synthesised particles were further analysed using transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy.</p><p>Iron and cobalt single crystalline nanoparticles were synthesized using ferrocene and cobaltocene precursors. The diameter of the particles could be tailored by the experimental parameters (e.g., partial pressure and laser power) and were in the range 1 - 50 nm in diameter. In both cases, the particles were covered by a carbon shell, typically 7 nm thick. A thin graphitic layer was observed at the interface metal-carbon. Amorphous carbon was deposited on top of the graphitic carbon. Particle temperature, reaching the boiling point of the respective metal, was observed by OES of the thermal emission during the laser-induced particle formation process (and subsequent heating). Both bcc and fcc Fe phases were formed, both hcp and fcc for the Co phases. Size dependent magnetic properties were observed using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements, where super-paramagnetic magnetic domains dominated for <i>d</i> < 10 nm. The iron particles were further processed, whereby the amorphous shell was removed by refluxing in nitric acid. In a subsequent step, the graphitic surface was functionalized by attaching an octyl ester, rendering the particles hydrophobic.</p><p>Tungsten oxides were synthesized from combinations of WF₆/H₂/O₂ as precursors. No particles could be deposited if H₂ was removed from the gas-mixture. The as-deposited oxide nanoparticle film was amorphous. A monoclinic WO₃ particle film could be achieved by annealing the amorphous oxide. Above 400°C, the oxide particles increased in size from ca. 20 nm to 60 nm through coalescence. The gas-sensing properties of the tungsten oxide were tested by conductance measurements using H₂S as analyte. The sensitivity of the amorphous oxide nanoparticle film was found to be superior to that of a crystalline oxide nanoparticle film. </p>

This thesis aims mainly at investigating the potential oxidizing abilities and possible applications of the UV/Chlorine process as an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP). Several organic compounds were used and added into the samples as challenging radical scavengers to investigate the possibilities of the UV/Chlorine process being used in the water and wastewater treatment industry. The UV/H2O2 process was selected as a reference, and experiments were carried out parallel; the results obtained earlier in the UV/Chlorine process were compared to those of the UV/H2O2 process. Methanol was added into active chlorine solutions at both pH 5 and 10. The quantum yields for the degradation of active chlorine were calculated after the samples had been exposed to UV. Also the production of OH radicals was calculated by determining the generation of formaldehyde. The OH radical yield factors, which are significant in evaluating AOPs, were calculated both in the UV/Chlorine and the UV/H2O2 processes. In addition to methanol, para-chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA) and cyclohexanoic acid (CHA) were added to active chlorine solutions and to H2O2 solutions. The first-order reaction rate constants for the oxidation of pCBA and CHA using the UV/Chlorine process were calculated and compared to those of the UV/H2O2 process. This allowed an evaluation of whether or not the UV/Chlorine process might be efficient for the treatment of contaminated water samples containing pCBA and/or CHA. Finally the thesis comes to a general conclusion about the efficiency of the UV/Chlorine process compared to that of the UV/H2O2 process. / Environmental Engineering

Nanoparticles of iron, cobalt and tungsten oxide were synthesised by photolytic laser assisted chemical vapour deposition (LCVD). An excimer laser (operating at 193 nm) was used as an excitation source. The LCVD process, was monitored in situ by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The synthesised particles were further analysed using transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Iron and cobalt single crystalline nanoparticles were synthesized using ferrocene and cobaltocene precursors. The diameter of the particles could be tailored by the experimental parameters (e.g., partial pressure and laser power) and were in the range 1 - 50 nm in diameter. In both cases, the particles were covered by a carbon shell, typically 7 nm thick. A thin graphitic layer was observed at the interface metal-carbon. Amorphous carbon was deposited on top of the graphitic carbon. Particle temperature, reaching the boiling point of the respective metal, was observed by OES of the thermal emission during the laser-induced particle formation process (and subsequent heating). Both bcc and fcc Fe phases were formed, both hcp and fcc for the Co phases. Size dependent magnetic properties were observed using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements, where super-paramagnetic magnetic domains dominated for d &lt; 10 nm. The iron particles were further processed, whereby the amorphous shell was removed by refluxing in nitric acid. In a subsequent step, the graphitic surface was functionalized by attaching an octyl ester, rendering the particles hydrophobic. Tungsten oxides were synthesized from combinations of WF6/H2/O2 as precursors. No particles could be deposited if H2 was removed from the gas-mixture. The as-deposited oxide nanoparticle film was amorphous. A monoclinic WO3 particle film could be achieved by annealing the amorphous oxide. Above 400°C, the oxide particles increased in size from ca. 20 nm to 60 nm through coalescence. The gas-sensing properties of the tungsten oxide were tested by conductance measurements using H2S as analyte. The sensitivity of the amorphous oxide nanoparticle film was found to be superior to that of a crystalline oxide nanoparticle film.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds of anthropogenic origin that have been linked to the development of cancer, neurobehavioural impairment, and immune system biochemical alterations. These chemicals have various industrial applications as well as acting as pesticides. Dioxins and furans are some of these compounds that are unintentionally produced in combustion and industrial processes. By definition these compounds have 4 common qualities: they are highly toxic, they are resistant to environmental degradation, they are introduced into the air and water where they travel long distances, and they accumulate in fatty tissues. Photochemical degradation is a method that has been extensively researched in the last few decades. In the aqueous phase it has already been shown to be able to degrade a number of refractory organics, such as dioxins and furans. The ultimate products of this process tend to be carbon dioxide, water, and mineral anions. Air phase work has been also gaining attention in recent decades as a possible alternative to incineration methods in air pollution control. The advantages of photochemical degradation processes are that they can be initiated at low temperatures, are relatively low cost compared to incineration processes, environmentally benign, and have the potential for quick and complete degradation of organic compounds. The main aim of the research is to investigate the photochemical degradation potential of PCDD/ PCDFs in gaseous air streams as a potential air pollution control technology. In order to do this, the photodegradation reaction kinetics were determined for chlorobenzene as a suitable surrogate for PCDD/PCDFs. Three different photodegradation schemes were employed: direct photolysis, UV/O3, and UV/H2O2. In addition, ozonolysis reaction rates were also determined to evaluate the effects of on the overall photodegradation rates for the UV/O3 process. Factors such as humidity levels and temperature were investigated to determine their effects on degradation rates. Temperature and humidity were not greatly influential on the degradation rates of direct photolysis. The degradation rate of chlorobenzene at a temperature of 100°C and high humidity was noticeably reduced, but unchanged at the 10% RH and 60% RH levels for all temperatures. Ozonolysis of chlorobenzene was negligible at 30°C for all humidity levels. Ozonolysis reactions at the 60°C and 100°C levels were higher than direct photolysis rates and in the 100°C case exceeded the UV/O3 degradation rates. Ozone coupled with UV experiments proved to be the most destructive at the low temperature of 30°C and molar ratio of 10:1 ozone to chlorobenzene. There was a clear and positive relationship between the amount of ozone present in the reactor and the degradation rate. At lower ozone to chlorobenzene molar ratios the degradation rates were not much higher than those for direct photolysis of ozone. The 5:1 molar ratio saw a significant increase in degradation rates over the photolysis rates. The fastest degradation rate was achieved for the 10:1 molar ratio and high humidity, which was over 10 times the rate of direct photolysis. In addition, humidity had a noticeably significant positive effect in these reactions. The effect of temperature on the UV/ozone reaction scheme was determined for the 5:1 ozone to chlorobenzene ratio. Temperature had an interesting effect on the degradation rates at higher temperatures. As the reactor temperature increased, the degradation rates from ozonolysis and UV/O3 began to converge at 60°C, ultimately leading to the ozonolysis reaction being faster than the UV/O3. Exploratory experiments for the H2O2 scheme were performed. H2O2 had a positive influence on the degradation rate of chlorobenzene and was about 26% higher than the direct photolysis rates. However for similar conditions, the UV/O3 process had higher degradation rates as was expected from the difference in absorption values between ozone and hydrogen peroxide.