<p>One of the most powerful aspects of conducting polymers is their ability to be nanostructured through innovative, synthetically manipulated, transformations, such as to tailor-make the polymers for specialized applications. In the exponentially increasing wide field of nanotechnology, some special attention is being paid to innovative hybrid dendrimer-core based polymeric smart materials. Star copolymers are a class of branched macromolecules having a central core with multiple linear polymer chains extending from the core. This intrinsic structural feature yields a unique 3D structure with extended conjugated linear polymer chains, resulting in star copolymers, which have higher ionic conductivities than their corresponding non-star conducting polymer counterparts. In this study an in-depth investigation was carried out into the preparation and characterization of specialized electronic &lsquo / smart materials&rsquo / . In particular, the preparation and characterization of novel conducting dendrimeric star copolymers which have a central poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer core with conducting polypyrrole (PPy) chains extending from the core was carried out. This involved, first, the preparation of a series of dendrimeric polypyrrole poly(propylene imine) star copolymers (PPI-co-PPy), using generations 1 to 4 (G1 to G4) PPI dendrimer precursors. The experimental approach involved the use of both chemical and electrochemical synthesis methods. The basic procedure involved a condensation reaction between the primary amine of a diamino functional PPI dendrimer surface and 2-pyrrole aldehyde, to afford the pyrrole functionalized PPI dendrimer (PPI-2Py). Polymerization of the intrinsically contained monomeric Py units situated within the dendrimer backbone was achieved via two distinctly different routes: the first involved chemical polymerization and the second was based on potentiodynamic oxidative electrochemical polymerization. The star copolymers were then characterized using various sophisticated analytical techniques, in-situ and ex-situ. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to determine the structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the morphology. Themogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the thermal stability of the prepared materials. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was used to study the structural make-up of phases, crystallinity and amorphous content. Hall effect measurements were carried out to determine the electrical conductivity of the chemically prepared star copolymers. The PPI-co-PPy exhibited improved thermal stability compared to PPI-2Py, as confirmed by TGA. SEM results showed that the surface morphology of the functionalized dendrimer and star copolymer differed. The surface morphology of the chemically prepared star copolymers resembled that of a flaky, waxy material, compared to the ordered morphology of the electrochemically grown star copolymers, which resembled that of whelk-like helixes. In the case the electrochemically grown star copolymers, SEM images recorded at higher magnifications showed that the whelk-like helixes of the star copolymers were hollow tubes with openings at their tapered ends, and had an average base diameter of 2.0 &mu / m. X-ray diffraction analysis of the first generation star copolymer G1PPI-co-PPy revealed a broadly amorphous structure associated with PPy, and crystalline peaks for PPI. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used to study and model the electrochemical reactivity of the star copolymer materials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data showed that the G1PPI-co-PPy exhibited slightly higher ionic conductivity than pristine PPy in lithium perchlorate. The second generation star copolymer G2PPI-co-PPy electrochemically deposited on a platinum (Pt) electrode had a lower electrochemical charge transfer resistance compared to electrodeposited polypyrrole (PPy) on a Pt electrode, and bare Pt. The decrease in charge transfer resistance was attributed to an increase in the conjugation length of the polymer as a result of the linking of the highly conjugated PPy to the PPI dendrimer. Bode impedimetric analysis indicated that G2PPI-co-PPI was a semiconductor, with a maximum phase angle shift of 45.3&deg / at 100 MHz. The star copolymer exhibited a 2- electron electrochemistry and a surface coverage of 99%. Results of Hall effect measurements showed that the star copolymer is a semiconducting material, having a conductivity of 0.7 S cm-1, in comparison to the 1.5 S cm-1 of PPy. To the best of my knowledge, these new star copolymers have not been reported in the open literature. Their properties make them potentially applicable for use in biosensors.</p>

The field of bioenergetics deals with the flow and transformation of energy within and between living organisms and their environment. The work presented in this thesis report focuses on cellular respiration and more specifically on the first enzyme of the respiratory chain, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I). This was done to clarify details about its function and its implication in disease. First, the creation of a sensor involving the biomimetically immobilized enzyme is presented and probed through a combination of surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) and electrochemistry. This sensor is then tested against different substrates and inhibitors. In a second part, the interaction of Complex I with lipids, inhibitors (Zn2+ and NADH-OH) and the role of a Tyrosine residue situated in the NADH binding pocket are investigated through electrochemically induced UV-Vis and FTIR difference spectroscopies. The results gathered through these experiments are then explored under a structural perspective and a coupling mechanism between quinone reduction and proton translocation by Complex I is proposed.

ABSTRACT CARBON SUPPORTED AND SURFACTANT STABILIZED METAL NANOPARTICLE CATALYSTS FOR DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS &Ccedil / elik, &Ccedil / aglar M.S., Department of Chemistry Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. G&uuml / ls&uuml / n G&ouml / kaga&ccedil / August 2005, 72 pages Carbon supported surfactant, such as 1-decanethiol and octadecanethiol, stabilized platinum and platinum/ruthenium species have been prepared recently. In this thesis, for the first time, 1-hexanethiol has been used as an organic stabilizer for the preparation of carbon supported platinum and platinum/ruthenium nanoparticle catalysts. These new catalysts were employed for methanol oxidation reaction, which were used for direct methanol fuel cells. Cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been used in order to determine the nature of the catalysts. The effect of temperature and time on catalytic activity of catalysts were examined and the maximum catalytic activity was observed for carbon supported 1-hexanethiol stabilized platinum nanoparticle catalyst (with 1:1 thiol/platinum molar ratio) which was heated up at 200oC for 5 hours. The particle size of platinum nanoparticles was determined to be ~ 10 nm in diameter. The size and distribution of metal nanoparticles on carbon support, the Pt/Ru surface composition, the relative amount of Pt(0), Pt(II) and Pt(IV) and the removal of organic surfactant molecules around the metal nanoparticles were found to be important in determining the catalytic activity of electrodes towards methanol oxidation reaction. A significant decrease in catalytic activity was observed for carbon supported 1-hexanethiol stabilized Pt75Ru25 and Pt97Ru3 (with 1:1 thiol/PtRu molar ratio) with respect to carbon supported 1-hexanethiol stabilized Pt (with 1:1 thiol/platinum molar ratio). This result might be due to unremoved stabilizer shell around platinum/ruthenium nanoparticles and increase in amount of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) compared to Pt(0) where the methanol oxidation occured.

This PhD project has expanded the knowledge in the area of profluorescent nitroxides with regard to the synthesis and characterisations of novel profluorescent nitroxide probes as well as physical characterisation of the probe molecules in various polymer/physical environments. The synthesis of the first example of an azaphenalene-based fused aromatic nitroxide TMAO, [1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydro-2-azaphenalen-2-yloxyl, was described. This novel nitroxide possesses some of the structural rigidity of the isoindoline class of nitroxides, as well as some properties akin to TEMPO nitroxides. Additionally, the integral aromatic ring imparts fluorescence that is switched on by radical scavenging reactions of the nitroxide, which makes it a sensitive probe for polymer degradation. In addition to the parent TMAO, 5 other azaphenalene derivatives were successfully synthesised. This new class of nitroxide was expected to have interesting redox properties when the structure was investigated by high-level ab initio molecular orbitals theory. This was expected to have implications with biological relevance as the calculated redox potentials for the azaphenalene ring class would make them potent antioxidant compounds. The redox potentials of 25 cyclic nitroxides from four different structural classes (pyrroline, piperidine, isoindoline and azaphenalene) were determined by cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile. It was shown that potentials related to the one electron processes of the nitroxide were influenced by the type of ring system, ring substituents or groups surrounding the moiety. Favourable comparisons were found between theoretical and experimental potentials for pyrroline, piperidine and isoindoline ring classes. Substitution of these ring classes, were correctly calculated to have a small yet predictable effect on the potentials. The redox potentials of the azaphenalene ring class were underestimated by the calculations in all cases by at least a factor of two. This is believed to be due to another process influencing the redox potentials of the azaphenalene ring class which is not taken into account by the theoretical model. It was also possible to demonstrate the use of both azaphenalene and isoindoline nitroxides as additives for monitoring radical mediated damage that occurs in polypropylene as well as in more commercially relevant polyester resins. Polymer sample doped with nitroxide were exposed to both thermo-and photo-oxidative conditions with all nitroxides showing a protective effect. It was found that isoindoline nitroxides were able to indicate radical formation in polypropylene aged at elevated temperatures via fluorescence build-up. The azaphenalene nitroxide TMAO showed no such build-up of fluorescence. This was believed to be due to the more labile bond between the nitroxide and macromolecule and the protection may occur through a classical Denisov cycle, as is expected for commercially available HAS units. Finally, A new profluorescent dinitroxide, BTMIOA (9,10-bis(1,1,3,3- tetramethylisoindolin-2-yloxyl-5-yl)anthracene), was synthesised and shown to be a powerful probe for detecting changes during the initial stages of thermo-oxidative degradation of polypropylene. This probe, which contains a 9,10-diphenylanthracene core linked to two nitroxides, possesses strongly suppressed fluorescence due to quenching by the two nitroxide groups. This molecule also showed the greatest protective effect on thermo-oxidativly aged polypropylene. Most importantly, BTMIOA was found to be a valuable tool for imaging and mapping free-radical generation in polypropylene using fluorescence microscopy.

Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν ο ποσοτικός προσδιορισμός των ιχνοστοιχείων βαρέων μετάλλων του ψευδαργύρου, καδμίου και χαλκού στο υδατοειδές υγρό ασθενών με ψευδοαποφολίδωση και η μέτρηση του δυναμικού οξειδοαναγωγής στο υδατοειδές αυτών των ασθενών. Υλικό και μέθοδοι: Δείγματα υδατοειδούς υγρού ελήφθησαν κατά την εγχείρηση καταρράκτη από 14 ασθενείς με PEX σύνδρομο (7 άνδρες και 7 γυναίκες) και 21 ασθενείς με καταρράκτη αλλά χωρίς PEX (9 άνδρες και 12 γυναίκες). Τα δείγματα διατηρήθηκαν στους -24C μέχρι την ανάλυση. Τα επίπεδα των τριών μετάλλων και στις δύο ομάδες προσδιορίστηκαν, για πρώτη φορά στην Οφθαλμολογία, με τη μέθοδο της βολταμετρίας με χρήση ηλεκτροδίων υαλώδους γραφίτη με υμένιο υδραργύρου, ενδεικτικού ηλεκτροδίου λευκόχρυσου και αναφοράς Ag/AgCl. Εφαρμόσθηκε η τεχνική της ανοδικής βολταμετρίας απογύμνωσης με τετραγωνικούς παλμούς και έγινε σύγκριση των τιμών ανάμεσα στις δύο ομάδες. Η στατιστική επεξεργασία των αποτελεσμάτων έγινε με το Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05) Στη συνέχεια, κατά τον ίδιο τρόπο, δείγματα υδατοειδούς ελήφθησαν από 13 ασθενείς με PEX (7 άνδρες/6 γυναίκες) και 22 ασθενείς χωρίς PEX (7 άνδρες/15 γυναίκες). Η μέτρηση του δυναμικού οξειδοαναγωγής γινόταν αμέσως μετά την απόκτηση του κάθε δείγματος και για το σκοπό αυτό χρησιμοποιήθηκε για πρώτη φορά στην Οφθαλμολογία, ένα μικροηλεκτρόδιο λευκοχρύσου μαζί με ένα ενσωματωμένο ηλεκτρόδιο αναφοράς Ag/AgCl/KCl. Η στατιστική ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων έγινε με το t-test για ανεξάρτητα δείγματα (p<0.05). Αποτελέσματα: O Cu βρέθηκε στατιστικά σημαντικά χαμηλότερος στην PEX ομάδα σε σχέση με τη φυσιολογική ομάδα (p<0.05), ενώ ο Zn και το Cd δεν παρουσίασαν καμία συσχέτιση στο υδατοειδές υγρό ασθενών με ψευδοαποφολίδωση. Το δυναμικό οξειδοαναγωγής ήταν στατιστικά σημαντικά υψηλότερο στο υδατοειδές των ασθενών με PEX σύνδρομο. Συμπεράσματα: Στην παρούσα εργασία εφαρμόζεται για πρώτη φορά, η ανοδική βολταμετρία απογύμνωσης για τον προσδιορισμό στο υδατοειδές υγρό του Zn, Cd και Cu και η μέτρηση του δυναμικού οξειδοαναγωγής στο υδατοειδές. Τόσο τα στατιστικώς σημαντικά χαμηλότερα επίπεδα Cu στο υδατοειδές ασθενών με PEX, όσο και το υψηλότερο δυναμικό οξειδοαναγωγής στο υδατοειδές αυτών των ασθενών ενισχύουν την παθογενετική θεωρία του οξειδωτικού στρες του PEX συνδρόμου. / To determine the Zn, Cd and Cu concentrations in aqueous humor of patients with PEX syndrome and to evaluate the overall oxidative status of the aqueous in this group by measuring the reduction-oxidation (redox) potential in the aqueous samples. Material and methods: Samples from aqueous humor were collected during cataract extraction from 14 patients with PEX syndrome (7 male/7 female) and 21 patients without PEX (9 male/12 female). All samples were stored in -24C until analyzed. The levels of selected trace elements in both groups were assayed for the first time in the field of Ophthalmology, with anodic stripping voltammetry, using the square wave differential pulse technique. In this analytical procedure a glassy carbon mercury film electrode, a platinum indicator and a reference Ag/AgCl electrode were used. Finally the metal levels in all samples were compared between the two groups using the Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). Similarly, samples were collected during cataract extraction from 13 patients (7 male/6 female) with PEX syndrome and 22 normal patients (7 male/15 female). A platinum electrode together with a reference electrode Ag/AgCl/KCl was used for the first time in Ophthalmology, for the measurement of the apparent redox potential in the aqueous humor. The independent samples t-test was used to compare aqueous redox potential between the study and control group. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: Cu was found significantly lower in the PEX than in the control group (p<0.05), whereas Zn and Cd had no statistical differences between the two groups. The redox potential was found significantly higher in patients with PEX syndrome than in normal patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: In the present study we represent the first successful application of ASV in eye research for the determination of aqueous Zn, Cd and Cu concentrations and the meauserment of aqueous redox potential. The significantly lower Cu concentrations and the higher redox potential in aqeous humor of PEX syndrome support the role of increased oxidative stress in the development of PEX.

Submitted by KELY SILVEIRA BONFIM null (kely_bonfim@hotmail.com) on 2018-04-03T11:29:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO Kely S Bonfim REPOSITÓRIO.pdf: 21420988 bytes, checksum: 96c7e94b56ac3b3bb0da89a1467d1409 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cristina Alexandra de Godoy null (cristina@adm.feis.unesp.br) on 2018-04-03T13:03:20Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 bonfim_ks_me_ilha.pdf: 21420988 bytes, checksum: 96c7e94b56ac3b3bb0da89a1467d1409 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-03T13:03:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 bonfim_ks_me_ilha.pdf: 21420988 bytes, checksum: 96c7e94b56ac3b3bb0da89a1467d1409 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O óxido de grafeno (OG) pertence a uma nova classe de materiais cristalinos bidimensionais que tem se destacado no campo científico inter e multidisciplinar, devido a propriedades especiais, que possibilitam a sua aplicação em nanomembranas, supercapacitores, biossensores, liberação controlada de fármacos; entre outros. A sua estrutura consiste em uma camada individual de grafeno ornamentada com grupos funcionais oxigenados que permitem que o óxido de grafeno seja modificado quimicamente com diversas moléculas, átomos ou íons metálicos, podendo resultar em um excelente sensor eletroquímico. Em vista disso, o presente trabalho descreve a modificação química do óxido de grafeno com o dendrímero PAMAM G.0 (OGP) e posterior reação com hexacianoferrato (II) e (III) de potássio e nitrato de cério (III) para aplicação eletroanalítica. Os materiais híbridos formados (OGPH(II)Ce e OGPH(III)Ce) foram caracterizados por diferentes técnicas, tais como: Espectroscopia de Fotoelétrons Excitados por Raios-X (XPS), Espectroscopia na Região do Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X (EDX), Microscopia Eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e Difração de Raios-X (DRX). Como aplicação eletroanalítica, os mesmos foram empregados com sucesso na eletro-oxidação catalítica de Ácido Ascórbico e Dopamina, utilizando para tal finalidade o eletrodo de pasta de grafite e a técnica de voltametria cíclica. O eletrodo de pasta de grafite modificado com OGPH(II)Ce apresentou duas regiões lineares para a eletro-oxidação catalítica do Ácido Ascórbico, sendo que a primeira região apresentou um limite de detecção (LD) de 2,14×10-7 mol L-1 e sensibilidade amperométrica (S) de 43,68 mA/mol L-1; para a segunda região, o LD foi de 2,29×10-6 mol L-1 e a S = 12,73 mA/mol L-1. O mesmo material também apresentou resposta favorável para a Dopamina, com LD = 4,09×10-7 mol L-1 e S = 195,28 mA/mol L-1 para a primeira região; LD = 1,39×10-6 mol L-1 e S = 25,10 mA/mol L-1 para a segunda região. Os resultados obtidos para o segundo material (OGPH(III)Ce) para detecção de Ácido Ascórbico, apresentaram LD = 1,37×10-7 mol L-1 e S = 78,43 mA/mol L-1 para a primeira região, LD = 4,10×10-6 mol L-1 e S = 16,55 mA/mol L-1 para a segunda região; além da detecção de Dopamina com LD = 6,62×10-7 mol L-1 e S = 85,26 mA/mol L-1. Desta forma, os materiais híbridos formados, incluem-se no rol dos materiais obtidos como potenciais candidatos para a construção de sensores eletroquímicos na detecção de Ácido Ascórbico e Dopamina. / Graphene oxide (GO) belongs to a new class of two-dimensional crystalline materials that has excelled in the inter and multidisciplinar scientific field due to special properties that enables its apllication in nanomembranes, supercapacitors, biosensors, drug releaser; among others. Its strutcture consists on an individual layer of ornate graphene with oxygenated functional groups that allow the graphene oxide to be chemically modified with several molecules, atoms or metallic ions, which can result in an excellent electrochemical sensor. Therefore, the present work describes the chemical modification of the graphene oxide with the PAMAM G.0 (GOP) dendrimer and subsequent reaction with potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) and (III) and cerium nitrate (III) for electroanalytical application. The hybrid materials formed (GOPH(II)Ce and GOPH(III)Ce) were characterized by different techniques, such as: X Rays Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X- rays Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). As an electroanalytical application, the same were successfully used in the catalytic electro-oxidation of Ascorbic Acid and Dopamine, using for this purpose the graphite paste electrode and the cyclic voltammetry technique. The graphite paste electrode modified with GOPH(II)Ce presented two linear regions for the catalytic electro-oxidation of Ascorbic Acid, wherein the first region presented a detection limit (DL) of 2,14×10-7 mol L-1 and amperometric sensitivity (S) of 43,68 mA/mol L-1; for the second region the DL was of 2,29×10-6 mol L-1 and the S = 12,73 mA/mol L-1. The same material also presented a favorable response for Dopamine, with DL= 4,09×10-7 mol L-1 and S = 195,28 mA/mol L-1 for the first region; DL = 1,39×10-6 mol L-1 and S = 25,10 mA/mol L-1 for the second region. The results obtained for the second material (GOPH(III)Ce) for ascorbic acid detection, presented DL= 1,37×10-7 mol L-1 and S = 78,43 mA/mol L-1 for the first region, DL = 4,10×10-6 mol L-1 and S = 16,55 mA/mol L-1 for the second region; besides of Dopamine detection with DL = 6,62×10-7 mol L-1 and S = 85,26 mA/mol L-1. In this way, the hybrid materials formed are included in the list of materials obtained as potential candidates for the construction of electrochemical sensors in the ascorbic acid and dopamine detection.

Orientador: Devaney Ribeiro do Carmo / Banca: Newton Luiz Dias Filho / Banca: André Luís dos Santos / Resumo: O presente trabalho descreve a preparação, caracterização e as aplicações eletroanalíticas de silsesquioxanos e dendrímeros modificados suportados na superfície da sílica gel. A primeira etapa consistiu em ancorar o silsesquioxano ([H2N(CH2)3]8Si8O12) e o dendrímero Hexadecaamino Poli(propileno)imina (DAB-Am- 16) na superfície da 3-cloropropil sílica gel. Os materiais obtidos, SAC e SD, respectivamente, foram caracterizados pelas técnicas de Infravermelho (FTIR), RMN 29Si e 13C no estado sólido e Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X (EDX). A segunda etapa foi interagir o SAC e o SD com íons de Cu2+ e Ni2+ e posterior complexação com substâncias eletroativas, tais como: ferricianeto de potássio e nitroprussiato de sódio formando, dessa forma, os complexos binucleares: CuHCFSAC, NiHCFSAC, CuNPSAC, CuHCFSD, NiHCFSD e CuNPSD que foram caracterizados por Infravermelho (FTIR) e voltametria cíclica (VC). Os espectros na região do Infravermelho dos materiais supracitados exibiram freqüências próximas ou iguais a 2090 cm-1, atribuídas ao estiramento n(C N) característico do hexacianoferrato e nitroprussiato formados na superfície da SAC e SD. Utilizou-se estes materiais na construção do eletrodo de pasta de grafite os quais foram testados na oxidação eletrocatalítica de substâncias biologicamente importantes tais como a dipirona sódica e nitrito de sódio após um rigoroso estudo sobre o comportamento voltamétrico. O eletrodo de pasta de grafite contendo o CuHCFSAC exibiu dois pares redox com potenciais médios (Em) de: (Em)1= 0,29 V e (Em)2= 0,72 V vs Ag/AgCl (KCl =1.0 molL-1; v = 20 mV s-1) ambos atribuídos aos processos redox Cu(I)/Cu(II) e [Fe(II)(CN)6]4- / [Fe(III)(CN)6]3-, respectivamente, valores estes bem próximos para o CuHCFSD. Os eletrodos de NiHCFSAC e NiHCFSD exibiram... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This work describes the preparation, characterization and electroanalytical properties of modified silsesquioxanes and dendrimers supported onto the silica gel surface. The first step was to anchor the silsesquioxane [(H2N(CH2)3] 8Si8O12) and dendrimer Hexadecaamino Poly(propylene)imine (DAB-Am-16) onto the 3-chloropropyl silica gel surface. The materials obtained, SAC and SD, respectively, were characterized by infrared (FTIR), 29Si NMR and 13C solid state and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The second step was interact the SAC and SD with Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions and subsequent complexation with electroactive substances, such as: ferricyanide of potassium and sodium nitroprusside forming binuclear complexes: CuHCFSAC, NiHCFSAC, CuNPSAC, CuHCFSD, NiHCFSD and CuNPSD which were characterized by Infrared (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The spectra in the infrared region of the above materials exhibited frequencies near or equal to 2090 cm-1 assigned to stretching n(C N) characteristic of nitroprusside and hexacyanoferrate formed onto the SD and SAC surface. We used these materials in the construction of carbon paste electrode which were tested in the electrocatalytic oxidation of biologically important substances such as sodium dipyrone and sodium nitrite after a rigorous study about voltammetric behavior. The graphite paste electrode containing CuHCFSAC exhibited two redox couples with midpoint potentials (Em) of: (Em)1 = 0.29 V and (Em)2 = 0.72 V vs. Ag/AgCl (KCl = 1.0 mol L-1, v = 20 mV s-1) both assigned to the redox processes Cu(I)/Cu(II) and [Fe(II)(CN)6]4- / [Fe(III)(CN)6]-3, respectively, values very near to the CuHCFSD. The electrodes of NiHCFSAC and NiHCFSD each exhibited two redox couples with midpoint potentials (Em): (Em)1 = 0.29 V and (Em)2 = 0.51 V vs Ag/AgCl (KCl = 1.0 mol L-1, v = 20 mV s- 1) both... (Summary complete electronic access click below) / Mestre

Orientador: Devaney Ribeiro do Carmo / Resumo: O óxido de grafeno (OG) pertence a uma nova classe de materiais cristalinos bidimensionais que tem se destacado no campo científico inter e multidisciplinar, devido a propriedades especiais, que possibilitam a sua aplicação em nanomembranas, supercapacitores, biossensores, liberação controlada de fármacos; entre outros. A sua estrutura consiste em uma camada individual de grafeno ornamentada com grupos funcionais oxigenados que permitem que o óxido de grafeno seja modificado quimicamente com diversas moléculas, átomos ou íons metálicos, podendo resultar em um excelente sensor eletroquímico. Em vista disso, o presente trabalho descreve a modificação química do óxido de grafeno com o dendrímero PAMAM G.0 (OGP) e posterior reação com hexacianoferrato (II) e (III) de potássio e nitrato de cério (III) para aplicação eletroanalítica. Os materiais híbridos formados (OGPH(II)Ce e OGPH(III)Ce) foram caracterizados por diferentes técnicas, tais como: Espectroscopia de Fotoelétrons Excitados por Raios-X (XPS), Espectroscopia na Região do Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X (EDX), Microscopia Eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e Difração de Raios-X (DRX). Como aplicação eletroanalítica, os mesmos foram empregados com sucesso na eletro-oxidação catalítica de Ácido Ascórbico e Dopamina, utilizando para tal finalidade o eletrodo de pasta de grafite e a técnica de voltametria cíclica. O eletrodo de pasta de grafite modificado com OGPH(... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO) belongs to a new class of two-dimensional crystalline materials that has excelled in the inter and multidisciplinar scientific field due to special properties that enables its apllication in nanomembranes, supercapacitors, biosensors, drug releaser; among others. Its strutcture consists on an individual layer of ornate graphene with oxygenated functional groups that allow the graphene oxide to be chemically modified with several molecules, atoms or metallic ions, which can result in an excellent electrochemical sensor. Therefore, the present work describes the chemical modification of the graphene oxide with the PAMAM G.0 (GOP) dendrimer and subsequent reaction with potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) and (III) and cerium nitrate (III) for electroanalytical application. The hybrid materials formed (GOPH(II)Ce and GOPH(III)Ce) were characterized by different techniques, such as: X Rays Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X- rays Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). As an electroanalytical application, the same were successfully used in the catalytic electro-oxidation of Ascorbic Acid and Dopamine, using for this purpose the graphite paste electrode and the cyclic voltammetry technique. The graphite paste electrode modified with GOPH(II)Ce presented two linear regions for the catalytic electro-oxidation of Ascorbic Acid, wherein the first region present... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

L’utilisation de dioxygène lors de la délignification des pâtes à papier permet une réduction considérable des coûts de production et de l’impact environnemental du procédé de blanchiment. Seulement, le taux de délignification est limité par le fait qu’une partie de la lignine résiduelle n’est pas réactive vis-à-vis du dioxygène et que la cellulose est partiellement dépolymérisée au cours du procédé. L’utilisation de catalyseur pourrait permettre d’améliorer l’efficacité et la sélectivité de la délignification au dioxygène comme le suggèrent certaines études. Le complexe cuivre(II)-phénanthroline présente des résultats prometteurs en termes d’efficacité, mais entraîne une dégradation importante de la cellulose. Différents ligands polypyridiniques ont été étudiés dans ces travaux, afin de trouver un complexe du cuivre(II) présentant une affinité forte vis-à-vis de la lignine et faible vis-à-vis de la cellulose. Les complexes formés ont été caractérisés par spectroscopie UV/Vis et voltammétrie cyclique et étudiés comme catalyseurs de l’oxydation de différents substrats : un composé modèle de lignine non phénolique et des substrats lignocellulosiques (un modèle de cellulose, un modèle de lignine native et une pâte kraft industrielle). Les résultats ont montré que la nature même du ligand a un effet important sur l’activité catalytique du complexe de Cuivre (II) lors de l’oxydation du composé modèle de lignine. En revanche, les complexes actifs présentent une activité faible lors de la délignification d’une pâte kraft et oxydent fortement les hydrates de carbone. Ce manque de sélectivité ne permet pas une application pour la production de pâte à papier mais oriente l’utilisation de ce type de catalyseur dans de nouvelles applications n’ayant pas les mêmes contraintes sur le degré de polymérisation de la cellulose. / Dioxygen delignification considerably reduces the operating cost of the bleaching process and decreases the environmental impact of the bleaching effluent. Unfortunately the performance of dioxygen delignification is limited since part of the residual lignin is not reactive toward dioxygen while cellulose depolymerisation occurs. Studies suggested that dioxygen delignification could be improved thanks to the use of catalysts such as copper(II)–phenanthroline type complexes which have shown promising results on delignification efficiency. However cellulose was also more degraded. Different polypyridinyl ligands have been studied in this work, in an attempt to find copper(II) complexes that have more affinity toward lignin and less toward cellulose. Complexes have been characterised by UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic volammetry, and they were studied for the catalysed oxidation of various substrates: a non phenolic lignin model compound and lignocellulosic substrates (a model of cellulose, a model of native lignin and an industrial kraft pulp). It has been shown that the nature of the ligand had a significant effect on the catalytic activity of Cu(II) complexes in the oxygen oxidation of the lignin model compound. However, the active complexes only show a limited activity during the delignification of a kraft pulp and oxidize carbohydrates. This lack of selectivity prevents from an industrial application for paper pulp production but may be useful for the design of products with fewer constraints on cellulose polymerization degree.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / This work reports the chemical synthesis, characterisation and electrochemical application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles in the determination of phthalates. The other part of this work involved electrochemical polymerization of aniline doped with titanium and iron oxide nanoparticles for the sensor platform in the electrolytic determination of phthalates. The TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by sol gel and hydrothermal methods respectively. Particle sizes of 20 nm (TiO2) and 50 nm (Fe2O3) were estimated from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) The other technical methods used in this study for the characterization of the TiO2 and iron oxide Fe2O3 NPs were SEM, XRD and UV- visible spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to study the electrochemical properties of the nanoparticles. These electrochemical studies of the nanoparticles were performed with a Fe2O3 or TiO2/nafion/glassy carbon membrane electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and 0.1 M lithium perchlorate (pH 6.8) under an aerobic condition. / South Africa