The main focus of the thesis is to have better understanding of the atomic and electronic structures, vibrational dynamics and thermodynamics of metallic surfaces and bi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs) via a multi-scale simulational approach. The research presented here involves the study of the physical and chemical properties of metallic surfaces and NPs that are useful to determine their functionality in building novel materials. The study follows the 'bottom-up' approach for which the knowledge gathered at the scale of atoms and NPs serves as a base to build, at the macroscopic scale, materials with desired physical and chemical properties. We use a variety of theoretical and computational tools with different degrees of accuracy to study problems in different time and length scales. Interactions between the atoms are derived using both Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Embedded Atom Method (EAM), depending on the scale of the problem at hand. For some cases, both methods are used for the purpose of comparison. For revealing the local contributions to the vibrational dynamics and thermodynamics for the systems possessing site-specific environments, a local approach in real-space is used, namely Real Space Green's Function method (RSGF). For simulating diffusion of atoms/clusters and growth on metal surfaces, Molecular Statics (MS) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) methods are employed.

No description available.

[pt] No presente trabalho, foram abordadas duas formas alternativas de materiais para a redução do cromo hexavalente. Para um dos materiais foram sintetizadas nanopartículas de ferro metálico, níquel metálico e sílica como suporte, e o outro material visando menor custo e maior acessibilidade foi uma lã de aço comercial. Ambos têm como objetivo a diminuição ou remediação de cromo hexavalente através de soluções de dicromato de potássio em concentrações que visam simular contaminações geradas por diversas operações industriais. A função destes materiais é de atuar como um forte agente redutor, doando elétrons para reduzir o cromo hexavalente em cromo trivalente. As nanopartículas de ferro zero valente, níquel zero valente suportadas em sílica foram sintetizadas empregando sulfatos em uma técnica de redução com borohidreto de potássio em solução aquosa. As nanopartículas foram caracterizadas com o auxílio da técnica de difração de raio-X para determinar as fases presentes, e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura com espectroscopia por dispersão de energia, definindo a composição química elementar e a morfologia das superfícies, e ICP para quantificar a composição dos elementos ferro e níquel. Finalmente, foram realizados os testes de redução do cromo hexavalente em cromo trivalente através do Espectrofotômetro UV-VIS, sendo quantificada a concentração de cromo hexavalente presente na solução através da técnica colorimétrica com o reagente altamente seletivo, o 1,5-difenilcarbazida (DFC). As nanopartículas e a lã de aço demonstraram eficiência na redução do cromo hexavalente em concentrações de 8,32 ppm (K2Cr2O7 80 Mmol/L), 6,241 (K2Cr2O7 60 Mmol/L) e 4,161 ppm (K2Cr2O7 40 Mmol/L) com tempos inferiores a 5 minutos. Contudo, as nanopartículas de Fe0-Ni0 suportadas em SiO2 reduziram o cromo hexavalente com uma quantidade em massa de Fe0 aproximadamente 110 vezes menor em relação a lã de aço, considerando que este é constituído unicamente por ferro metálico. Credita-se esta efetividade à maior área superficial por unidade de massa das partículas nanoestruturadas. / [en] In the present work, two alternative forms were approached using different materials. For one of the materials, nanoparticles of metallic iron, metallic nickel and silica as support were synthesized, and the other material aiming at lower cost and greater accessibility will be steel wool. Both have the objective of reducing or remediation of hexavalent chromium through solutions of potassium dichromate in concentrations that aim to simulate contaminations generated by various industrial operations. The function of these materials is to act as a strong reducing agent by donating electrons to reduce the hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium. The nanoparticles of zero-valent Iron, zero-valent nickel supported on silica was synthesized using sulfates in a reduction technique with potassium borohydride in aqueous solution. The nanoparticles were characterized with the help of the XRD technique, from the diffraction pattern generated and quantifying the present phases, and SEM / EDS, defining elemental chemical composition and surface morphology and ICP to quantify the elemental composition. Finally, the tests of reduction of the hexavalent chromium in trivalent chromium through the UV-VIS spectrophotometer were carried out, and the concentration of hexavalent Chromium present in the solution was quantified through the Colorimetric technique with the highly selective reagent, 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DFC). Nanoparticles and steel wool showed efficiency in the reduction of hexavalent chromium at concentrations of 8,32 ppm (K2Cr2O7 80 Mmol/L), 6,241 (K2Cr2O7 60 Mmol/L) e 4,161 ppm (K2Cr2O7 40 Mmol/L) with times less than 5 minutes. However, as Fe0-Ni0 nanoparticles supported in SiO2, they reduced the hexavalent content of a quantity of steel mass in relation to steel wool, considering that it consists only of metallic iron. The effectiveness in the most superficial part by the mass unit of the nanostructured particles is credited.

Ce manuscrit présente une étude expérimentale autour de la synthèse des nanotubes de carbone et de leurs possibles intégrations dans des dispositifs. Les remarquables propriétés électroniques et optiques des nanotubes en font un matériau de choix pour entre autres, la nanoélectronique. Néanmoins, l’intégration des nanotubes dans des dispositifs performants est encore aujourd’hui un défi. Cela repose principalement sur la difficulté d’obtenir de grandes quantités de nanotubes mono-paroi avec des propriétés uniformes, propriétés qui sont définies par la structure du nanotube (i.e. leur angle chiral et leur diamètre). Ainsi, réaliser des synthèses de nanotube de carbone avec un contrôle de leur structure représente un point clé pour le progrès dans ce domaine.Nous avons donc mis en place une nouvelle méthode de synthèse de nanotubes de carbone basée sur la chimie de coordination et le dépôt chimique en phase vapeur activé par filament chaud. Cette synthèse permet la conception de nombreux nouveaux catalyseurs bimétalliques pour la croissance des nanotubes de carbone. Comme le procédé mis en place est très générique, des études paramétriques peuvent être réalisées de manière à mieux comprendre l’influence des différents paramètres de la croissance sur la structure des nanotubes obtenue. Nous discuterons ici du rôle de la température et de la composition chimique du catalyseur. Les nanotubes obtenus sont principalement caractérisés par spectroscopie Raman et par microscopies électroniques.Afin de valider les observations obtenues par spectroscopie Raman, les nanotubes synthétisés ont aussi été intégrés dans des dispositifs de type transistor à effet de champ. Une analyse des performances des transistors en fonction des différents nanotubes utilisés dans le canal est présentée.Enfin, les nanotubes intégrés dans ces transistors ont été fonctionnalisés avec un chromophore de ruthénium. Nous avons montré que cette fonctionnalisation nous permet de moduler, grâce à une impulsion lumineuse, la conductivité du dispositif sur trois ordres de grandeur. / This manuscript presents an experimental study around the single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) synthesis and their possible integration in nanodevices. The unique electronic and optical properties of carbon nanotubes make them a choice material for various applications, particularly in nano-electronics.Nevertheless, their integration in effective devices is still a challenge. This is mainly due to the difficulty to obtain large quantity of SWCNT with uniform properties, defined by their structure (i.e. chiral angle and diameter). Therefore, structure controlled growth of SWCNTs is a key point for progress in this field.Here, we established a new synthesis approach based on coordination chemistry and hot-filament chemical vapor deposition. This approach allows the design of various bimetallic catalyst nanoparticles for the SWCNT growth. As the synthesis process is generic, parametric study can be performed in order to better understand the influence of the various parameters on the structure of the as-grown SWCNTs. In particular, we will discuss the role of the growth temperature and the chemical composition of the catalyst on the final SWCNTs structure. The obtained SWCNTs are mainly characterized by Raman spectroscopy and electronic microscopy.In order to validate the observations performed by Raman measurement, the synthesized SWCNTs have been also integrated in field effect transistors (FET) devices. An analysis of the performance of the FET-device as a function of the SWCNTs used in its channel will be presented.Finally, SWCNTs integrated in these transistors have been functionalized with an inorganic chromophore of ruthenium.We demonstrate that the functionalization of the SWCNTs leads to a three order of magnitude reversible switch of the device conductivity triggered by visible light.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Chemistry) / Renewable energy has become the centrepiece of research in resolving the energy crisis. One of the forms of renewable energy is solar energy. This form of energy is costly to develop. Organic molecules are promising materials for the construction of next generation photovoltaic cells considering their advantage of lower cost compared to crystalline silicon that is currently used in solar cells. This forms the basis of this research, which focused on the synthesis and characterisation of poly(3- hexylthiophene) P3HT, stannum (Sn) nanoparticles and stannum-based bimetallic stannum-titanium (SnTi), stannum-chromium (SnCr) and stannum-vanadium (SnV) nanoparticles for the application in the construction of heterojunction photovoltaic cells (PVCs).

Les propriétés (catalytiques, électriques, optiques ou magnétiques) des métaux ultra-divisés sont différentes du métal massif et sont influencées par la forme et la morphologie des nanomatériaux. Parmi les techniques de synthèses des nanomatériaux, la radiolyse est une méthode de choix pour réduire de façon contrôlée des ions métalliques et pour induire la polymérisation de monomères. Une matrice souple auto-assemblée, à partir de molécules de surfactants, a été employée comme nanoréacteur pour synthétiser des nanostructures (bi-)métalliques ou polymères de morphologie contrôlée. Les surfactants forment dans des conditions particulières des mésophases hexagonales quaternaires qui peuvent être gonflées, de façon continue, sur une large gamme. Le dopage des mésophases en sels métalliques ou en monomères peut être réalisé aussi bien en phase aqueuse qu’en phase organique, permettant d’obtenir des nanostructures de morphologie différentes. En phase aqueuse, la synthèse conduit à la formation de matériaux mésoporeux. Ceux-ci sont d’un intérêt tout particulier pour la catalyse en raison de leur très grande surface spécifique. Le contrôle du gonflement de la mésophase permet un ajustement fin de la porosité dans la structure métallique finale. Nous avons également mis en évidence que la composition de ces nanostructures métalliques Pd/Pt poreuses peut être contrôlée. Nous avons également synthétisé des nanostructures 1D dans la phase organique, comme des nanofils de palladium ou des nanofils de polymères. / The properties (catalytic, electrical, optical or magnetic) of ultra-divided metals are different from those from bulk and are influenced by the shape and morphology of the nanomaterials. Among the techniques of nanomaterials synthesis, radiolysis is a preferred method to reduce metal ions and to induce the polymerization of monomers. A soft template made of self-assembled surfactant molecules, has been used as nanoreactor to synthesize (bi-)metallic or polymer nanostructures of controlled morphology. Surfactants can form, under certain conditions, quaternary hexagonal mesophases, which can be inflated continuously over a wide range. Mesophases can be doped with metal salts or monomers, in aqueous phase or in organic phase, to obtain different nanostructures morphology. In aqueous phase, the synthesis leads to the formation of mesoporous materials. These are of particular interest for catalysis due to their large surface area. The control of the mesophase swelling allows a fine adjustment of the porosity in the final metal structure. We also demonstrated that the composition of porous bimetallic nanostructures Pd / Pt can be controlled. We also synthesized 1D nanostructures in the organic phase, such as metal (palladium) or polymer nanowires.

Apostando na versatilidade de nanopartículas bimetálicas como catalisadores em reações orgânicas, nós desenvolvemos um estudo onde nanopartículas bimetálicas de AgAu, AgPd e AgPt, foram utilizadas como catalisadores em reações de oxidação de compostos de silício (1a-j) ao respectivo silanol (2a-j). Empregando a água como agente oxidante, para estas reações, conversões de 43->99% foram alcançadas. Visando formar catalisadores metalo-enzimáticos (CME), nanopartículas bimetálicas de AgAu, AgPd e AgPt foram utilizadas como suporte da CAL-B (CMEs: CALB-AgAu; CALB-AgPd; CALB-AdPt). Esses catalisadores apresentaram dupla atividade catalítica. Foram alcançadas a oxidação do dimetil(fenil)silano (1a), com uma conversão de até 85% e acetilação enantiosseletiva do (R,S)-1-(fenil)etanol (4a) com acetato de vinila, com uma conversão de até 26% e seletividade >99% para formação do (R)-1- fenil(etil)acetato. Nanopartículas bimetálicas de AgPd (NSsAgPd), também foram aplicadas como catalisadores para a hidrogenação de compostos orgânicos utilizando como fonte de hidrogênio compostos de silício. Neste caso treze diferentes substratos foram empregados (5a-5o) (cetonas &#945,¨β-insaturadas, acrilatos, azidas, compostos nitro e iminas) e conversões >99% foram alcançadas para alguns dos produtos reduzidos. Utilizando este mesmo sistema, a incorporação de átomos de deutério em compostos orgânicos foi realizada pela substituição da água por D2O, o que levou à formação de HD/D2. Com esta metodologia conseguimos encorporar o átomo de deutério numa taxa >60% nos compostos 5a e 5m. As NSsAgPd também foram imobilizadas em partículas de sílica para a formação de SiO2-AgPd. Estes catalisadores foram confinados em um reator e utilizados em reações de hidrogenação, sob7 condições de fluxo contínuo, de compostos orgânicos utilizando como fonte de hidrogênio compostos de silício. Sob estas condições conversões de até 92% foram alcançadas para o produto reduzido / We have developed a study where bimetallic nanoparticles of AgAu, AgPd and AgPt were used as catalysts in the oxidation reactions of silicon compounds (1a-j) to the respective silanol (2a-j). Using the water as the oxidizing agent, for these reactions, conversions of 43-> 99% were achieved. In order to form metallo-enzymatic catalysts (MEC), bimetallic nanoparticles of AgAu, AgPd and AgPt were used as support of CALB (CMEs: CALB-AgAu; CALB-AgPd; CALB-AdPt). These catalysts had dual catalytic activity. Oxidation of dimethyl (phenyl) silane (1a) with a conversion of up to 85% and enantioselective acetylation of (R,S)-1-(phenyl)ethanol (4a) with vinyl acetate was achieved with a conversion of up to 26% and selectivity >99% for (R)-1-phenyl (ethyl) acetate formation. AgPd bimetallic nanoparticles (NSsAgPd) were also applied as catalysts for the hydrogenation of organic compounds using silicon compounds as the Hydrogen source. In this case thirteen different substrates (5a-5o) were employed (α,β-unsaturated ketones, acrylates, azides, nitro compounds and imines) and conversions >99% were achieved for several reduced products. Using this same system, the incorporation of deuterium atoms into organic compounds was performed by replacing the water with D2O, which led to the formation of HD/D2. With this methodology we were able to incorporate the deuterium atom in a rate >60% in compounds 5a and 5m. NSsAgPd were also immobilized on silica particles to form SiO2-AgPd. These catalysts were confined in a reactor and used in the hydrogenation reactions under continuous flow conditions of organic compounds using silicon compounds as the hydrogen source. Under these conditions conversions of up to 92% were achieved for the reduced product.

Apostando na versatilidade de nanopartículas bimetálicas como catalisadores em reações orgânicas, nós desenvolvemos um estudo onde nanopartículas bimetálicas de AgAu, AgPd e AgPt, foram utilizadas como catalisadores em reações de oxidação de compostos de silício (1a-j) ao respectivo silanol (2a-j). Empregando a água como agente oxidante, para estas reações, conversões de 43->99% foram alcançadas. Visando formar catalisadores metalo-enzimáticos (CME), nanopartículas bimetálicas de AgAu, AgPd e AgPt foram utilizadas como suporte da CAL-B (CMEs: CALB-AgAu; CALB-AgPd; CALB-AdPt). Esses catalisadores apresentaram dupla atividade catalítica. Foram alcançadas a oxidação do dimetil(fenil)silano (1a), com uma conversão de até 85% e acetilação enantiosseletiva do (R,S)-1-(fenil)etanol (4a) com acetato de vinila, com uma conversão de até 26% e seletividade >99% para formação do (R)-1- fenil(etil)acetato. Nanopartículas bimetálicas de AgPd (NSsAgPd), também foram aplicadas como catalisadores para a hidrogenação de compostos orgânicos utilizando como fonte de hidrogênio compostos de silício. Neste caso treze diferentes substratos foram empregados (5a-5o) (cetonas &#945,¨β-insaturadas, acrilatos, azidas, compostos nitro e iminas) e conversões >99% foram alcançadas para alguns dos produtos reduzidos. Utilizando este mesmo sistema, a incorporação de átomos de deutério em compostos orgânicos foi realizada pela substituição da água por D2O, o que levou à formação de HD/D2. Com esta metodologia conseguimos encorporar o átomo de deutério numa taxa >60% nos compostos 5a e 5m. As NSsAgPd também foram imobilizadas em partículas de sílica para a formação de SiO2-AgPd. Estes catalisadores foram confinados em um reator e utilizados em reações de hidrogenação, sob7 condições de fluxo contínuo, de compostos orgânicos utilizando como fonte de hidrogênio compostos de silício. Sob estas condições conversões de até 92% foram alcançadas para o produto reduzido / We have developed a study where bimetallic nanoparticles of AgAu, AgPd and AgPt were used as catalysts in the oxidation reactions of silicon compounds (1a-j) to the respective silanol (2a-j). Using the water as the oxidizing agent, for these reactions, conversions of 43-> 99% were achieved. In order to form metallo-enzymatic catalysts (MEC), bimetallic nanoparticles of AgAu, AgPd and AgPt were used as support of CALB (CMEs: CALB-AgAu; CALB-AgPd; CALB-AdPt). These catalysts had dual catalytic activity. Oxidation of dimethyl (phenyl) silane (1a) with a conversion of up to 85% and enantioselective acetylation of (R,S)-1-(phenyl)ethanol (4a) with vinyl acetate was achieved with a conversion of up to 26% and selectivity >99% for (R)-1-phenyl (ethyl) acetate formation. AgPd bimetallic nanoparticles (NSsAgPd) were also applied as catalysts for the hydrogenation of organic compounds using silicon compounds as the Hydrogen source. In this case thirteen different substrates (5a-5o) were employed (α,β-unsaturated ketones, acrylates, azides, nitro compounds and imines) and conversions >99% were achieved for several reduced products. Using this same system, the incorporation of deuterium atoms into organic compounds was performed by replacing the water with D2O, which led to the formation of HD/D2. With this methodology we were able to incorporate the deuterium atom in a rate >60% in compounds 5a and 5m. NSsAgPd were also immobilized on silica particles to form SiO2-AgPd. These catalysts were confined in a reactor and used in the hydrogenation reactions under continuous flow conditions of organic compounds using silicon compounds as the hydrogen source. Under these conditions conversions of up to 92% were achieved for the reduced product.

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Chemistry) / This work involves the synthesis of copper telluride-polypropylenimine tetra(5-(2-thienyl) salicylaldimine) (CuTe@PPI) and copper antimonide-polypropylenimine tetra(5-(2-thienyl) salicylaldimine) (CuSb@PPI) core-shell nanoparticles (NPs), using two-pots and one-pot synthesis methods, respectively. Their morphology was studied by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM); while their structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. Photophysical properties of the core-shell NPs were determined from ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). For core-shell NPs produced via two-pots method only CuTe@PPI exhibited ? ? ?* and n ? ?* which indicate that CuSb@PPI produced via two-pots method was unsuccessfully synthesized. The ? ? ?* and n ? ?* transitions indicate the presence of polypropylenimine tetra(5-(2-thienyl) salicylaldimine) (PPI) on the surface of CuTe NPs and CuSb NPs. FTIR confirmed coordination of PPI on the surface of CuTe NPs and CuSb NPs by showing a shift in wavenumber of C=N group bands from PPI. HR-TEM showed that the CuTe@PPI synthesized via one-pot method have a wide particles sizes distribution with an average particles size of 13.60 nm while for CuTe@PPI synthesized via two-pots it was impossible to determine the particles size due to aggregation. CuSb@PPI synthesized via twopots method and one-pot method has a wide particles sizes distribution with an average size of 7.98 nm and 11.61 nm respectively. The average particles sizes determined by HR-SEM were found to be 35.24 nm (CuTe@PPI two-pots method), 33.90 nm (CuTe@PPI one-pot method), 18.30 nm (CuSb@PPI two-pots method), and 16.18 nm (CuSb@PPI one pot method). / 2021-08-31

Les nanoparticules (NPs) bimétalliques présentent des propriétés catalytiques très intéressantes qui justifient leur utilisation dans des procédés industriels de catalyse hétérogène. Leur structure (chimique, géométrique, électronique) est néanmoins susceptible d’évoluer dans des conditions environnementales réelles et modifier leurs propriétés. L’objectif de cette thèse pluridisciplinaire est de suivre la réactivité de ces NPs en atmosphère réactive contrôlée. Pour cela, on a développé un dispositif de spectroscopie in situ à modulation spatiale afin de suivre l’évolution de la structure sur une grande population de NPs via l’étude de leur résonance du plasmon de surface (RPS) localisée. Ces observations ont été couplées avec une approche locale (NPs individuelles) par microscopie électronique à transmission environnemental (MET-E). La MET-E a permis de révéler des effets de composition et d’environnement sur la structure chimique de NPs Ag-In. Des alliages stables pauvres en indium se forment, puis une coquille d’oxyde d’indium dont l’épaisseur augmente avec la concentration atomique d’indium. D’autre part, des domaines de structures stables (coeur@coquille, Janus, système réduit) ont été mis en évidence selon les conditions locales de température et de pression d’hydrogène. Enfin, l’oxydo-réduction de NPs Ag-Fe a été suivie in situ via l’étude de leur RPS. La MET, la plasmonique environnementale et les nombreuses simulations (réponse optique, simulations Monte-Carlo) suggèrent une ségrégation du fer et de l’argent avec une surface enrichie en argent. L’oxydation semble induire la diffusion du fer en surface, directement suivie de la formation de magnétite (Fe3O4) / Bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) are known to present interesting catalytic properties justifying their use in several industrial processes in the domain of heterogeneous catalysis. However, their (chemical, geometrical, electronical) structure may evolve under realistic reactive atmosphere, involving a modification of their properties. In this multidisciplinary work, the aim is focused on the surface reactivity monitoring of these NPs under controlled gaseous environment. For this purpose, we developed an in situ spectrophotometer based on spatial modulation to monitor the structure evolution of a large assembly of NPs through the study of their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This global approach has been coupled with a more local approach by environmental transmission electronic microscopy (E-TEM). E-TEM observations have shown both composition and environmental effects on the chemical structure of Ag-In NPs. This structure evolves from a stable low-enriched indium alloy to a core@shell configuration with a shell composed of indium oxide as the indium atomic concentration increases. Furthermore, stable structure (core@shell, Janus, reduced system) domains were evidenced under reducing atmosphere, depending on the temperature and hydrogen pressure. Lastly, Ag-Fe NP oxido-reduction was monitored on the new setup through LSPR modifications. MET observations, environmental plasmonics and simulations (optical response, Monte-Carlo simulations) suggest that these metals are initially segregated, with an enriched-silver surface. The exposure to an oxidative atmosphere seems to induce the diffusion of iron onto the surface, followed by the formation of magnetite (Fe3O4)