O aumento no consumo energético e a crescente preocupação ambiental frente à emissão de gases poluentes criam um apelo mundial favorável para pesquisas de novas tecnologias não poluentes de fontes de energia. Baterias recarregáveis de lítio-ar em solventes não aquosos possuem uma alta densidade de energia teórica (5200 Wh kg-1), o que as tornam promissoras para aplicação em dispositivos estacionários e em veículos elétricos. Entretanto, muitos problemas relacionados ao cátodo necessitam ser contornados para permitir a aplicação desta tecnologia, por exemplo, a baixa reversibilidade das reações, baixa potência e instabilidades dos materiais empregados nos eletrodos e dos solventes eletrolíticos. Assim, neste trabalho um modelo cinético foi empregado para os dados experimentais de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, para a obtenção das constantes cinéticas das etapas elementares do mecanismo da reação de redução de oxigênio (RRO), o que permitiu investigar a influência de parâmetros como o tipo e tamanho de partícula do eletrocatalisador, o papel do solvente utilizado na RRO e compreender melhor as reações ocorridas no cátodo dessa bateria. A investigação inicial se deu com a utilização de sistemas menos complexos como uma folha de platina ou eletrodo de carbono vítreo como eletrodos de trabalho em 1,2-dimetoxietano (DME)/perclorato de lítio (LiClO4). A seguir, sistemas complexos com a presença de nanopartículas de carbono favoreceu o processo de adsorção das moléculas de oxigênio e aumentou ligeiramente (uma ordem de magnitude) a etapa de formação de superóxido de lítio (etapa determinante de reação) quando comparada com os eletrodos de platina e carbono vítreo, atribuída à presença dos grupos laterais mediando à transferência eletrônica para as moléculas de oxigênio. No entanto, foi observada uma rápida passivação da superfície eletrocatalítica através da formação de filmes finos de Li2O2 e Li2CO3 aumentando o sobrepotencial da bateria durante a carga (diferença de potencial entre a carga e descarga > 1 V). Adicionalmente, a incorporação das nanopartículas de platina (Ptnp), ao invés da folha de platina, resultou no aumento da constante cinética da etapa determinante da reação em duas ordens de magnitude, o qual pode ser atribuído a uma mudança das propriedades eletrônicas na banda d metálica em função do tamanho nanométrico das partículas, e estas modificações contribuíram para uma melhor eficiência energética quando comparado ao sistema sem a presença de eletrocatalisador. Entretanto, as Ptnp se mostraram não específicas para a RRO, catalisando as reações de degradação do solvente eletrolítico e diminuindo rapidamente a eficiência energética do dispositivo prático, devido ao acúmulo de material no eletrodo. O emprego de líquido iônico como solvente eletrolítico, ao invés de DME, promoveu uma maior estabilização do intermediário superóxido formado na primeira etapa de transferência eletrônica, devido à interação com os cátions do líquido iônico em solução, o qual resultou em um valor de constante cinética da formação do superóxido de três ordens de magnitude maior que o obtido com o mesmo eletrodo de carbono vítreo em DME, além de diminuir as reações de degradação do solvente. Estes fatores podem contribuir para uma maior potência e ciclabilidade da bateria de lítio-ar operando com líquidos iônicos. / The increasing in energetic consumption and environmental concerning toward rising in the emission of pollutant gases create a favorable scenario to develop non-pollutant technologies and more efficient energy storages. Rechargeable non-aqueous lithium-air batteries possess high theoretical energy density (5200 Wh kg-1), characterizing as a promising system to stationary and electric vehicles applications. However, many issues on the cathode electrode should be addressed to enable this technology, for example, low reversibility of the reactions, low rate-capability and instabilities issues from cathode materials and electrolytic solvents. Here, a kinetic model was employed for modulate the experimental impedance data in order to obtain the rate constants of elementary steps from oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which allows the investigation of the role of some parameters such as, type and grain size of electrocatalysts, and the solvent influence. The initial investigation were with less complexes systems of platinum bulk or glassy carbon as the working electrode in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)/lithium perchlorate (LiClO4). Based on that, the role of carbon nanoparticles in the ORR was an increasing the oxygen adsorption process, and by slightly increasing (one order of magnitude) the superoxide formation (rate determining step) as when compared with platinum and glassy carbon electrodes due to the presence of side groups acting as mediators to the electron transfer. Nonetheless, a fast surface passivation was observed in function of Li2O2 and Li2CO3 thin films formations, and these films increase the battery overpotential during the charge process (potential difference between charge/discharge >1V). In addition, dispersed platinum nanoparticles (Ptnp) resulted in an increase of two orders of magnitude on the rate constant of the rate determining step when compared to platinum bulk. This can be explained due to changes in electronic properties of metallic d-bands in function of nanometric size. These changes contributed to enhance the energetic efficiency of the practical device when compared to the non-catalyzed system. However, the Ptnp were non-specific toward the ORR catalyzing the electrolyte degradation reactions, and decreasing the energy efficiency faster than the non-catalyzed system. The ionic liquid rather than DME promoted better stabilization process for intermediary superoxide due to interaction between cations present in solution, resulting in an outstanding enhancement of the rate constant for rate determining step (three orders of magnitude) when compared to the same working electrode in DME. In addition, decrease the electrolyte degradation reaction. These factors can improve a higher rate-capability and cycle life of the practical lithium-air batteries.

Materiais auto-organizados constituídos de V2O5 xerogel, poli(etilenoimina) (PEI) e nanopartículas de carbono (NpCs) foram obtidos por meio da técnica camada-por-camada (LbL). A metodologia aplicada permitiu a obtenção de filmes finos com elevado controle de espessura além de permitir um crescimento linear dos filmes, denominados neste trabalho V2O5/PEI e V2O5/PEI/NpCs. Além disso, o desempenho eletroquímico dos materiais auto-organizados foi comparado a um eletrodo de V2O5. Análises de FTIR mostraram que interações específicas entre os grupos amina do PEI e os grupos carboxila do V2O5 são responsáveis pelo crescimento do filme. Estas interações permitem a formação de um campo eletrostático capaz de blindar as interações entre os íons lítio e os oxigênios da vanadila (V=O) e, por consequência, são responsáveis pelo aumento na mobilidade iônica dos íons lítio no interior da matriz hospedeira e, portanto, um aumento na capacidade de armazenamento de carga. Resultados obtidos através de medidas de carga/descarga mostram que o V2O5/PEI/NpCs apresenta uma melhor desempenho do que os demais materiais estudados neste trabalho. Estes resultados mostram que a capacidade específica do V2O5/PEI/NpCs foi de 137 mA h g-1 para a menor densidade de corrente aplicada e aproximadamente 1,6 vezes maior do que os valores de capacidade específica para os outros materiais para a maior densidade de corrente aplicada. Além disso, estas medidas permitiram a observação de uma menor variação na razão estequiométrica máxima (xmáx) em função das densidades de corrente aplicadas para os filmes auto-organizados, fato este relacionado a uma maior mobilidade iônica dos íons lítio no interior dessas matrizes. Os resultados obtidos a partir de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) mostraram que a difusão dos íons lítio no interior das matrizes auto-organizadas é maior do que no caso do V2O5, cujos valores do coeficiente de difusão foram de 1,64 x 10-15, 1,21 x 10-14 e 2,26 x 10-14 cm2 s-1 para os filmes V2O5, V2O5/PEI e V2O5/PEI/NpCs, respectivamente. Sendo assim, o polímero e as NpCs promoveram novos caminhos condutores e permitiram a conexão elétrica entre camadas isoladas da matriz V2O5. Dessa forma, novos nanocompósitos foram obtidos visando demonstrar o método de auto-organização empregado para melhorar o transporte de carga em matrizes hospedeiras. / Self-assembled materials constituted of V2O5 xerogel, poly (ethyleneimine) (PEI), and carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were obtained by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. The applied methodology permitted the obtainment of thin films with high thickness control and also permitted a linear growth of the films, which will be named V2O5/PEI and V2O5/PEI/CNPs. Besides, the electrochemical performance of the self-assembled materials was compared to a V2O5 electrode. FTIR analyses showed that the specific interactions between the amine groups of PEI and the vanadyl groups of the V2O5 are responsible for the film growth. These interactions permitted the formation of an electrostatic shield capable of hindering the interactions between the lithium ions and the vanadyl oxygen atoms (V=O) and are consequently responsible for the enhancement on the ionic mobility of the lithium ions within the host matrix, leading to a higher energy storage capability. Results obtained by the charge/discharge measurements showed that V2O5/PEI/CNPs presents a better performance than the other materials studied for this research. These results demonstrated that the specific capacity of the V2O5/PEI/CNPs was 137 mA h g-1 under the lowest current density applied and approximately 1.6 times higher than the specific capacity values obtained for the other materials under the highest current density applied. Moreover, it was observed that the variation of the maximum stoichiometric ratio (xmax) as a function of the current density is lower for the self-assembled materials than for the V2O5 electrode, which can be related to the higher ionic mobility of the lithium ion within the self-assembled materials. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) data demonstrated that the diffusion of the lithium ions within the self-assembled materials is higher than within the V2O5 electrode, and the diffusion coefficients were 1.64 x 10-15, 1.21 x 10-14 e 2.26 x 10-14 cm2 s-1 for V2O5, V2O5/PEI and V2O5/PEI/CNPs, respectively. Thus, the polymer and the CNPs provided new conducting pathways and connected isolated V2O5 chains in the host matrix. Therefore, novel spontaneous nanocomposites were formed, aiming to demonstrate the self-assembled method adopted for improving charge transport within host matrices.

L'objectif de cette thèse est l'identification de couplages (nanoparticules / matrice de poly(methyl-methacrylate) PMMA) qui renforcent la rigidité de surface du PMMA tout en conservant le maximum de transparence. Le choix s'est porté sur trois type de nanoparticules carbonées : du graphène multicouches (FLG), de l'oxyde de graphène (GO) et des nanotubes de carbones (MWCNT). Une première décrit la préparation et la fonctionnalisation de ces trois types de nanoparticules pour assurer une meilleure dispersion dans la matrice. Deux méthodes ont été retenues pour réaliser ces matériaux composites : la polymérisation en masse et le mélange en solution. Une seconde partie présente la caractérisation des propriétés mécaniques de ces revêtements en trois étapes : en volume, en surface et sous forme de revêtement en couches minces (15-20µm). Les résultats majeurs montrent que les nano-composites réalisés retardent l'apparition de la plasticité comparé à un PMMA pur, même à faible pourcentage, et permettent ainsi de limiter les effets de rayures de surfaces. Le faible pourcentage de renfort permet de conserver la transparence et plus l'épaisseur diminue plus on peut augmenter ce taux de renfort sans dégrader les propriétés mécaniques du revêtement. Les nanoparticules choisies comme agents de renfort de la matrice polymère s'avèrent être également de très bons candidats pour la diminution du frottement comparée à un plastifiant type Erucamide / The goal of this thesis is the identification of couplings (nanoparticles / matrix poly (methyl methacrylate) PMMA) which ensure PMMA surface rigidity while maintaining maximum transparency. The choice fell on three types of carbonaceous nanoparticles: Few layer graphene (FLG), graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A first part describes the preparation and functionalization of these three types of nanoparticles to provide a better dispersion in the matrix. Two methods were used to prepare nanocomposite materials: bulk polymerization and solution blending. A second part presents the characterization of the mechanical properties of these coatings in three stages: volume, surface and thin layer coating (15-20μm). The main results show that nanocomposites made delay the onset of plasticity compared with pure PMMA, even at a low percentage, and help to limit the effects of surface scratches. The small percentage of reinforcement keeps the transparency and the more the thickness decreases the more the rate of reinforcement can increase without degrading the mechanical properties of the coating. Moreover, nanoparticles chosen as the polymer matrix of reinforcing agents prove to be very good candidates for reduction in friction compared to a plasticizer such Erucamide.

L’objectif de cette thèse consiste à mettre en place un système d’émulsion catalysé par des nanoparticules de Pickering afin de synthétiser des tensioactifs bio sourcés. Pour cela nous nous sommes intéressés à des matériaux mésoporeux fonctionnalisés (de type MCM-41). Ces matériaux favorisent la formation des émulsions tout en catalysant la réaction.Après une étude bibliographique sur le glycérol, les tensioactifs, les émulsions de Pickering et les matériaux mésoporeux, nous nous sommes intéressés à la synthèse et à la fonctionnalisation de ces matériaux. Puis après les avoir caractérisés, nous les avons testés dans des réactions modèles biphasiques (acétalysation et hydrolyse d’ester). Enfin, nous avons terminé cette étude en testant ces catalyseurs dans notre réaction cible (éthérification du glycérol par des alcools gras). La MCM-41 a été synthétisée en utilisant un chauffage micro-onde.Les fonctions greffées sur nos matériaux ont permis de faire varier la balance hydrophile hydrophobe de nos matériaux tout en leur fournissant une fonction catalytique. Les nanoparticules ont été caractérisées par leur ATG, BET, DRX, analyse élémentaire, acidité et tailles des particules.Des catalyseurs à base d’Aerosil® 200 et de Nanoparticules de carbone ont également été testés.Une longue chaine alkyke (C18) et des nanoparticules de petites tailles (Aerosil® 200 et nanoparticules de carbone) favorisent la stabilité des émulsions. Cependant la présence de pores dans nos matériaux n’apporte pas d’avantage catalytique déterminant. / The objective of this work is the conception of emulsion catalysed by Pickering nanoparticles inorder to synthetize biosurfactant. Our strategy was based on functionalised mesoporous materials(MCM-41). These materials combine both emulsion stabilisation and reaction catalysis.After a bibliographic study on glycerol, surfactants, Pickering emulsions and mesoporousmaterials; our strategy was to functionalise these materials. After charaterisation, these materialswere tested in bipohasic model reactions (acetalysation and ester hydrolysis). We come to the end of this study by testing these catalysts in our target reaction (glycerol etherifaction from fattyalcohol).The MCM-41 was synthetized by using a microwave heating. The grafted functions on our materials can both make several hydrophilic-hydrophobic materialsas possible and provided them some catalytic functions. The nanoparticles were characterized byTGA, BET, XRD, elemental analysis, acidity and particle size.Catalyst from Aerosil® 200 and carbon nanoparticles were also tested. A long alkyl chain (C18) and small nanoparticles (Aerosil® 200 and carbon nanoparticles) supportthe emulsion’s stability. Nevertheless, the porous inside our materials is not interesting on acatalytic point of view.

L’exposition humaine aux particules atmosphérique (PM) est une préoccupation majeure de santé publique. La pollution particulaire est constituée de particules grossières (PM10 diamètre < 10 μm), de particules fines (PM2.5 diamètre < 2.5 μm) et de particules ultrafines (PUF ou PM0.1 diamètre < 100 nm). L’excès de mortalité constaté par les études épidémiologiques est principalement associé aux pathologies respiratoires et cardiovasculaires. Après inhalation, les particules les plus fines (PM2.5 et PUF) pénètrent profondément dans les voies respiratoires jusqu’aux alvéoles pulmonaires. Des études ont montré qu’elles peuvent franchir la barrière alvéolo-capillaire pour se retrouver dans la circulation systémique et y exercer leurs effets délétères sur les organes cibles tel que le système cardiovasculaire. La circulation pulmonaire constitue donc une cible privilégiée des particules inhalées, particulièrement les cellules endothéliales qui tapissent la lumière des vaisseaux. L’hypertension pulmonaire (HTP) est une pathologie de la circulation pulmonaire caractérisée par un remodelage des vaisseaux pulmonaires, une hyperréactivité et une inflammation. Des études récentes ont montré le rôle prépondérant du calcium et du stress oxydant dans la physiopathologie de cette maladie. Cependant, peu d’études mécanistiques visent à expliquer les effets des PM sur les cellules cibles vasculaires pulmonaires. Dans ce contexte, ce travail vise à mieux caractériser les effets cellulaires et moléculaires des particules sur les cellules endothéliales d’artères pulmonaires humaines (HPAEC). L’impact des PM2.5 et des nanoparticules (NPs) noires de carbone (FW2) sur les cellules endothéliales d’artères pulmonaires humaines entraine des dérégulations de l’homéostasie cellulaire. En effet, nos résultats montrent une augmentation significative du stress oxydant et, notamment, de la production d’anion superoxyde cytoplasmique et mitochondrial, des perturbations de la signalisation calcique, des dommages mitochondriaux, ainsi qu’un déséquilibre de la sécrétion de facteurs vasoactifs tels que le monoxyde d’azote (NO). Nous avons, également, étudié sur ces cellules cibles vasculaires pulmonaires humaines, dans des conditions physiologique et pathologique mimant l’HTP, les effets des particules sur la signalisation calcique ainsi que le rôle du stress oxydant dans les effets observés. Nous avons, dans un premier temps, développé et validé un modèle in vitro qui mime la dynamique vasculaire observée dans l’HTP. Dans une deuxième étape, nous avons observé les effets des NPs FW2, dans les deux conditions expérimentales. Nos résultats montrent, dans les cellules placées en conditions pathologiques, une augmentation significative de la production d’espèces réactives de l’oxygène (ERO) ainsi qu’une augmentation significative de la réponse pro-inflammatoire caractérisée par la sécrétion d’interleukines telles que l’IL-6 par rapport aux cellules placées en condition physiologique. De plus, la signalisation calcique semble également altérée dans les conditions pathologiques. / Human exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) is a health risk concern. Particulate air pollution is composed of different PM: coarse particles (PM10 diameter < 10 μm), fine particles (PM2.5 diameter < 2.5 μm) and ultrafine particles (UFP) (PM0.1 diameter < 100 nm). The excess of mortality observed in several epidemiological studies is mainly associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. After inhalation, the finest particles (PM2.5 and UFP) penetrate deeply into the airways, accumulate in pulmonary alveoli, cross the epithelial barrier to reach the pulmonary circulation and exert deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. Inhaled particles are therefore observed in the pulmonary circulation, in direct contact with endothelial cells lining the inner surface of blood artery. Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is the main disease of the pulmonary circulation characterized by remodeling of the pulmonary wall, changes in pulmonary vascular hyperactivity and inflammation. Oxidative stress and alteration in calcium signaling are also critical events involved in the physiopathology of PH. However, the effect of PM on these pulmonary vascular cellular targets is poorly described. In this context, the objectives of the present study are to assess the cellular and molecular effects of particle exposures in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC). Our results highlighted various cellular homeostasis alterations of HPAEC in response to PM2.5 and black carbon nanoparticles (FW2 NPs). We observed a significant increase of oxidative stress including cytoplasmic and mitochondrial superoxide anion production in concentration dependent-manner. Moreover, we observed calcium signaling alterations, mitochondrial damages, as well as a deregulation of vasoactive factors secretion such as nitric oxide (NO). Finally, we studied these cellular targets under physiological and pathological conditions mimicking PH. We have first developed a new in vitro model that mimics the vascular dynamics observed in the PH. Then, we investigated the effects of FW2 NPs in both experimental conditions. Our results showed, in pathological conditions, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a significant increase in the pro-inflammatory response characterized by interleukin secretion such as IL-6 as compared to cells in physiological condition. In addition, the calcium signaling seemed also be impaired in pathological conditions.

Dusty plasmas are plasmas that contain solid particles of nano- or micrometer size. They are widespread in the cosmic environment and act as precursors in the formation of planets and stars. Such plasmas are also used in laboratories for the synthesis of nanocomposites, which have wide technological and medical applications. While a large scientific effort has been invested in the study and control of such plasmas, the initial growth mechanism of powders (i.e. before they reach several tens of nanometers) remains poorly known. This work contributes primarily to expand the fundamental knowledge in the field of dusty plasmas. Our goal is to understand the physical chemistry of high-frequency plasmas magnetically confined in chemically reactive gases. In addition, we aim by examining the kinetics of the precursors in the plasma to understand the mechanisms of nanoparticle formation in the volume and to control their characteristics in a magnetically confined low pressure Ar/C2H2 plasma. This contribution has a direct impact on science and plasma applications. Among the applications related directly to this research, we mention the synthesis of carbon-based nanocomposites for their integration in solar cells and biomaterials. By examining the plasma characteristics (plasma temperature and density, cation and anion density) and correlating them to those of the dust particles, we found that the magnetic field changes the process of the formation of these particles in the discharge at very low pressure. Specifically, it stimulates the nucleation of carbon nanoparticles through several channels, i.e. through the anions and cations. These nanoparticles include two different phases, an amorphous carbon layer and a porous core formed of grains aggregate. These grains are formed of graphite nanocrystals coated with an amorphous layer. Moreover, the radius of the dust particles increases with the magnetic field, which is related to the enhancement of their residence time in the plasma volume. / Les plasmas poudreux sont des plasmas qui contiennent des particules solides de taille nano- ou même micrométrique. Ils sont répandus dans l'environnement cosmique et jouent le rôle de précurseurs dans la formation des planètes et des étoiles. Ce type de plasma est également utilisé dans les laboratoires pour la synthèse des nanocomposites possédant de vastes applications dans le monde technologique et médical. Tandis qu’un grand effort scientifique a été investi dans l’étude et le contrôle de ce type de plasmas, les mécanismes initiaux de formation des poudres (i.e. avant qu’elles atteignent quelques dizaines de nanomètres) demeurent très peu connus. On sait toutefois que des réactions physico-chimiques sont à l’origine de précurseurs des poudres qui déclenchent la nucléation. Ce travail contribue en premier lieu à accroître les connaissances fondamentales dans le domaine des plasmas poudreux en général. Il s’agit en particulier de comprendre la physico-chimie des plasmas de haute fréquence de très basse pression soumis à un confinement magnétique dans des gaz chimiquement réactifs. Plus spécifiquement, l’objectif de ce travail est d’examiner la cinétique des précurseurs produits dans le plasma afin de comprendre les mécanismes de formation de nanoparticules en volume et le contrôle de leurs caractéristiques dans des mélanges d’Ar/C2H2 de très basse pression confinés magnétiquement. Cet apport a des retombées directes en science et applications des plasmas. Parmi les applications directement visées par cette recherche, notons la synthèse de nanomatériaux composites à base de carbone pour leur intégration dans les cellules solaires et les biomatériaux. En examinant les caractéristiques du plasma (température et densité du plasma, densité des cations et des anions) et en les corrélant à celles des particules de poudre, on constate que le champ magnétique modifie le processus de la formation des particules poudreuses dans la décharge à très basse pression. Plus précisément, il favorise la nucléation des nanoparticules de carbone à travers plusieurs voies impliquant les anions et les cations. Ces nanoparticules comprennent deux phases différentes, une couche de carbone amorphe et un noyau poreux formé d'un agrégat de grains eux-mêmes constitués de nanocristaux de graphite revêtus d'une couche amorphe. On constate que le rayon moyen des particules de poudre augmente avec le champ magnétique, ce qui est lié à l’amélioration de leur temps de résidence dans le volume du plasma.

[EN] In this Doctoral Thesis, it has been studied the photophysical and photochemical properties of new nanomaterials based on carbon as graphene derivatives (GO, rGO, graphene (N,O)-codoped and graphene reconstituted halogenated) and two different types of carbon nanoparticles (C-dots and C-NOR). These materials have been applied in the photocatalytic hydrogen generation, such as gas sensors and bioimaging techniques. In a first stage the material was characterized with different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, and subsequently was studied the behavior of these materials as semiconductors. Using the techniques of fluorescence spectroscopy and absorbance transition has been proven generation state of charge separation after excitation. The different strategies used in the modification of graphene are aimed at getting systems with higher lifetimes of charge separation to harness the energy absorbed from light. It has been observed that the lifetime and quantum yield of charge separation is greater in rGO than GO. For graphenes (N,O)-codoped, which were prepared by pyrolysis natural chitosan, has shown that there is a direct relationship between the percentage of dopants and the energy of the conduction band and the quantum yield of charge separation state. In the case of reconstituted graphenes halogenated it has been shown the influence of the nature of the halogen in the generation charge separation. The charge separation lifetime obtained in these materials is in the scale of microseconds which is encouraging for possible application in photocatalysis and optoelectronic devices. For this reason we use these materials as photocatalysts for hydrogen generating from a methanol-water mixture and yields were higher for the sample (Cl)G that were seven times higher than the starting GO. Nanoparticles have been prepared using two different carbon methodologies. In one case they have been used zeolites with different pore size as templates, being those of small pore size with a directing agents with large structure, such as ITQ-29 and ITQ-12, were the most suitable for production of photoluminescent carbon dots. Pyrolysis of structure directing agent of these zeolites results in carbon quantum dots with particle sizes between 5 and 12 nm and photoluminescence quantum yield of 0.4 to that were used as photoluminescent oxygen sensors. Another methodology involves the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials from annealing of a mixture of PTCA and PEG under air atmosphere. Nanoobjects are obtained with height of 2.5 nm and with an average size of 40 nm. The morphology of the C-NOR is similar to an onion formed by concentric circles. These nanoparticles can be internalized in the human carcinoma HeLa cells and Hep 3B and they have interesting photoluminescent properties, in the same way as in solution. They showed a remarkable biocompatibility affecting in a very low way to cell viability to short periods of exposure according to the test MTT. In order to address the possible use of this nanoparticles in bioimaging a complete toxicology study was performed in vitro. It was performed feasibility assessments, proliferation, apoptosis studies generation and oxidative stress experiments after continuous and limited exposure, and also varying concentrations. It was observed that both nanoparticles showed no toxicity in the two situations at low and higher concentration, although some toxicity was determined at higher concentrations under continuous exposure. These results support the potential use of nanoparticles C-NOR and C-NOR(Eu) as bioimaging agents. / [ES] En esta Tesis Doctoral se han estudiado las propiedades fotofísicas y fotoquímicas de nuevos nanomateriales basados en carbono como son los derivados de grafeno (GO, rGO, grafenos (N,O) codopados y grafenos reconstituidos halogenados) y dos tipos diferentes de nanopartículas de carbono (C-dots y C-NOR). Estos materiales se han aplicado en la generación fotocatalítica de hidrógeno, como sensores de gases y en técnicas de bioimagen. En una primera etapa se ha caracterizado el material con distintas técnicas espectroscópicas y de microscopia, y a posteriori se ha estudiado el comportamiento de estos materiales como semiconductores. Mediante las técnicas de espectroscopia de fluorescencia y de absorbancia de transición se ha comprobado la generación del estado de separación de cargas tras su excitación. Las distintas estrategias utilizadas en la modificación del grafeno van dirigidas a conseguir sistemas con tiempos de vida del estado de separación de cargas elevados que permitan aprovechar la energía absorbida de la luz. Se ha observado que el tiempo de vida y el rendimiento cuántico de la separación de cargas es mayor en el rGO que en el GO. Para los grafenos (N,O)-codopados, que han sido preparados por pirólisis del quitosano natural, se ha demostrado que existe una relación directa entre el porcentaje de dopantes y la energía de la banda de conducción y el rendimiento cuántico de la separación de cargas. Para el caso de los grafenos reconstituidos halógenados se ha demostrado la influencia de la naturaleza del halógeno en la generación del estado de separación de cargas. El tiempo de vida del estado de separación de cargas obtenido en estos materiales se encuentra en la escala de los microsegundos lo cual resulta esperanzador para su posible aplicación en fotocatálisis y en dispositivos optoelectrónicos. Por este motivo utilizamos estos materiales como fotocatalizadores para la generación de hidrógeno a partir de una mezcla metanol agua y los rendimientos más altos fueron para la muestra (Cl) G que fueron siete veces más elevadas que el GO de partida. Se han preparado nanoparticulas de carbono empleando dos metodologías distintas. En un caso se han utilizado zeolitas de distinto tamaño de poro como plantillas, siendo las de tamaño de poro pequeño con agentes directores de estructura voluminosos, como la ITQ-29 y ITQ-12, las más adecuadas para obtener puntos de carbono fotoluminiscentes. La pirólisis del agente director de estructura de estas zeolitas da lugar a puntos cuánticos de carbono con tamaños de partícula entre 5 y 12 nm y un rendimiento de fotoluminiscencia cuántica de 0.4 que fueron utilizados como sensores de oxígeno fluorescentes. La otra metodología consiste la síntesis de nanomateriales de carbono a partir de un recocido de una mezcla de PTCA y PEG bajo atmosfera de aire. Se obtiene nanoobjetos de 2.5 nm de altura y con un tamaño medio de 40 nm. La morfologia de los C-NOR es de círculos concéntricos similar a una cebolla. Estas nanopartículas pueden internalizarse en las células de carcinoma humano HeLa y Hep 3B y presentan propiedades fotoluminiscentes interesantes, de la misma manera que en disolución. Demostraron una notable biocompatibilidad afectando de manera poco perceptible a la viabilidad celular a cortos periodos de exposición según la prueba MTT. Con el fin de abordar el posible uso de esta nanopartículas en bioimagen y su toxicidad se realizó un estudio toxicológico completo in vitro. Se realizaron evaluaciones de viabilidad, proliferación, estudios de generación de apoptosis y estrés oxidativo tras la exposición limitada o continua variando las concentraciones. Se observó que ambas nanopartículas no mostraron toxicidad en las dos situaciones a baja concentración, aunque cierta toxicidad se ha determinado a concentraciones superiores bajo exposición continua. / [CA] En aquesta tesi doctoral s'han estudiat les propietats fotofísiques i fotoquímiques de nous nanomaterials basats en carboni com són els derivats de grafè (GO, rGO, grafens (N,O) codopats i grafenos reconstituïts halogenats) i dos tipus diferents de nanopartícules de carboni ( C-dots i C-NOR). Aquests materials s'han aplicat en la generació fotocatalítica d'hidrogen, com a sensors de gasos i en tècniques de bioimatge. En una primera etapa s'ha caracteritzat el material amb diferents tècniques espectroscòpiques i de microscòpia, i a posteriori s'ha estudiat el comportament d'aquests materials com semiconductors. Mitjançant les tècniques d'espectroscòpia de UV-Vis i d'absorbància de transició (T.A.S.) s'ha comprovat la generació de l'estat de separació de càrregues després de la seva excitació. Les diferents estratègies utilitzades en la modificació del grafè van dirigides a aconseguir sistemes amb temps de vida de l'estat de separació de càrregues elevats que permetin aprofitar l'energia absorbida de la llum. S'ha observat que el temps de vida i el rendiment quàntic de la separació de càrregues és més gran en el rGO que al GO. Per als grafenos (N,O)-codopats, que han estat preparats per piròlisi del quitosan natural, s'ha demostrat que existeix una relació directa entre el percentatge de dopants i l'energia de la banda de conducció i el rendiment quàntic de la separació de càrregues. Per al cas dels grafens reconstituïts halogenats s'ha demostrat la influència de la naturalesa de l'halogen en la generació de l'estat de separació de càrregues. El temps de vida de l'estat de separació de càrregues obtingut en aquests materials es troba en l'escala dels microsegons la qual cosa resulta esperançador per a la seva possible aplicació en fotocatàlisi i en dispositius optoelectrònics. Per aquest motiu utilitzares aquests materials com fotocatalitzadors per a la generació de hidrogen a partir de una mescla metanol- aigua y els rendiments mes alts van ser per la mostra (Cl)G que van ser set vegades mes elevades que el GO de partida. S'han preparat nanoparticules de carboni emprant dues metodologies diferents. En un cas s'han utilitzat zeolites de diferent grandària de porus com plantilles, sent les de mida de porus petit amb agents directors d'estructura voluminosos, com la ITQ-29 i ITQ-12, les més adequades per obtenir punts de carboni fotoluminiscents. La piròlisi de l'agent director d'estructura d'aquestes zeolites dóna lloc a punts quàntics de carboni amb mides de partícula entre 5 i 12 nm i un rendiment de fotoluminiscència quàntica de 0.4 que van ser emprats com a sensors d'oxigen fluorescents. L'altra metodologia consisteix en la síntesi de nanomaterials de carbono a partir d'un recuit d'una barreja de PTCA i PEG sota atmosfera d'aire. S'obté nanoobjectes de 2.5 nm d'alçada i amb una longitud mitjana de 40 nm. La morfologia dels C-NOR és de cercles concèntrics similar a una ceba. Aquestes nanopartícules poden internalitzar-se en les cèl·lules de carcinoma humà HeLa i Hep 3B i presenten propietats fotoluminiscents interessants, de la mateixa manera que en dissolució. Van demostrar una notable biocompatibilitat afectant de manera poc perceptible a la viabilitat cel·lular a curts períodes d'exposició segons la prova MTT. Per tal d'abordar el possible ús d'aquesta nanopartícules en bioimatge i la seva toxicitat es va realitzar un estudi toxicològic complet in vitro. Es van realitzar avaluacions de viabilitat, proliferació, estudis de generació d'apoptosi i estrès oxidatiu després de l'exposició limitada o contínua amb diferents concentracions. Es va observar que les dos nanopartícules no van mostrar toxicitat en les dues situacions a baixa concentració, encara que certa toxicitat s'ha determinat a concentracions superiors sota exposició contínua. Aquests resultats donen suport a la possible utilització de nanopartícules C-NOR i C-NOR(Eu) com a agents / García Baldoví, H. (2016). Preparación y propiedades fotofísicas de materiales grafénicos y puntos cuánticos basados en carbono. Aplicaciones en nanotecnología [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/68505 / Premios Extraordinarios de tesis doctorales