This thesis is devoted to the experimental quantitative characterization of the shape and orientation distribution of ice particles in clouds. The characterization is based on measured and modeled elevation dependencies of the polarimetric parameters differential reflectivity and correlation coefficient. The polarimetric data is obtained using a newly developed 35-GHz cloud radar MIRA-35 with hybrid polarimetric configuration and scanning capabilities. The full procedure chain of the technical implementation and the realization of the setup of the hybrid-mode cloud radar for the shape determination are presented. This includes the description of phase adjustments in the transmitting paths, the introduction of the general data processing scheme, correction of the data for the differences of amplifications and electrical path lengths in the transmitting and receiving channels, the rotation of the polarization basis by 45°, the correction of antenna effects on polarimetric measurements, the determination of spectral polarimetric variables, and the formulation of a scheme to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Modeling of the polarimetric variables is based on existing backscattering models assuming the spheroidal representation of cloud scatterers. The parameters retrieved from the model are polarizability ratio and degree of orientation, which can be assigned to certain particle orientations and shapes. In the thesis the first quantitative estimations of ice particle shape at the top of liquid-topped clouds are presented. Analyzed ice particles were formed in the presence of supercooled water and in the temperature range from -20 °C to -3 °C. The estimation is based on polarizability ratios of ice particles measured by the MIRA-35 with hybrid polarimetric configuration, manufactured by METEK GmbH. For the study, 22 cases observed during the ACCEPT (Analysis of the Composition of Clouds with Extended Polarization Techniques) field campaign were used. Polarizability ratios retrieved for cloud layers with cloud-top temperatures of about -5, -8, -15, and -20 °C were 1.6, 0.9, 0.6, and 0.9, respectively. Such values correspond to prolate, quasi-isotropic, oblate, and quasi-isotropic particles, respectively. Data from a free-fall chamber were used for the comparison. A good agreement of detected shapes with well-known shape{temperature dependencies observed in laboratories was found.

[pt] Neste trabalho foi estudada a formação de camadas de produtos de corrosão em dois aços, o API 5L X80 usado para transporte de óleo e gás e o API 5CT utilizado em poço de petróleo case tubing. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de perda de massa e técnicas eletroquímicas tais como resistência a polarização linear RPL, curvas tafel e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica EIS foram empregadas para determinar as taxas de corrosão. Os ensaios foram realizados em condições estáticas numa solução de salmoura 3 porcento wt de NaCl sob 55 bar de pressão parcial de CO2 e total de 75bar, tempos de exposição de 7, 15, 21 e 30 dias e temperaturas de 25 Graus Celsius, 50 Graus Celsius e 75 Graus Celsius. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura MEV foi usada para a análise da morfologia. DRX e EDS foram utilizadas para determinar a composição química. As camadas formadas foram avaliadas em função da espessura, morfologia e composição química. Encontrou-se que a 25 Graus Celsius só houve formação de camada de carbonato de ferro após 30 dias de imersão para ambos os aços e que para 50 Graus Celsius e 75 Graus Celsius houve formação de duas camadas para todos os tempos de imersão cuja composição química mostrou o carbonato de ferro FeCO3 como principal produto de corrosão para os dois aços. A condição de teste que apresentou menor taxa de corrosão e maior proteção da camada de carbonato de ferro FeCO3 foi para 75 Graus Celsius e 30 dias de tempo de imersão. Os resultados de RPL e EIS são semelhantes aos obtidos por perda de massa mantendo a mesma tendência de redução com o tempo e a temperatura. / [en] This study evaluated the CO2 corrosion layer formation on the surface of two different steels, the API 5L X80 used for oil and gas transportation and the API 5CT used in oil production (case tubing). Techniques such as weight loss and electrochemical techniques as linear polarization resistance (LPR), Tafel curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to determine the corrosion rate. Tests were conducted under static conditions in a brine 3 percent wt solution of of NaCl under CO2 partial pressure of 55 bar and total of 75 bar, immersion times of 7, 15, 21 and 30 days and temperatures of 25 Celcius, 50 Celcius and 75 Celcius. Analysis of the scale morphology was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction. (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine the chemical composition. The layers formed were evaluated as a function of its thickness, morphology and chemical composition. It was found out that at 25 Celcius only after 30 days of immersion there was iron carbonate layer formation for both steels and at 50 Celcius and 75 Celcius there was the growth of two layers for all immersion times, being the chemical composition of these layers identifyed as iron carbonate FeCO3 as the main corrosion product for the two steels. The lowest corrosion rate and most protective layer of iron carbonate FeCO3 was for the condition at 75 Celcius and 30 days of immersion. The results obtained of LPR and EIS were similar to those obtained by mass loss showing the same tendency, reducing with time and temperature.

Diante dos compromissos mundiais para redução das emissões atmosféricas, a energia eólica se consolida como uma das principais alternativas à crescente demanda energética. Quando comparada a outras fontes de energia, considera-se que a fonte eólica induz menores perturbações no meio ambiente. Porém, empreendimentos eólicos podem causar impactos significativos, principalmente se instalados em áreas sensíveis e concentrados espacialmente. Assim, tendo em vista o cenário de intenso crescimento do setor eólico, o objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi avaliar a efetividade do sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA) aplicado a projetos de geração de energia eólica. Foi utilizado como objeto de estudo o sistema de licenciamento ambiental do estado do Ceará, estado pioneiro no setor eólico e ainda em destaque no cenário nacional. Buscou-se, portanto, identificar evidências de conformidade do sistema de AIA adotado no estado com as boas práticas e princípios internacionais da AIA, assim como eventuais deficiências que possam influenciar o processo decisório. Para tanto, foi avaliada a qualidade das informações apresentadas nos Estudos de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) perante às boas práticas de AIA, diretrizes da literatura científica e elementos contextuais, de modo a avaliar seu potencial de contribuir para a tomada de decisão com vistas à prevenção de impactos socioambientais significativos. Foi escopo deste trabalho a análise de documentos do processo de licenciamento de 3 projetos e a avaliação da qualidade de 31 EIAs, com base em uma lista de verificação elaborada no âmbito da presente pesquisa e no método Environmental Statement Review Package. Com a finalidade de delinear os aspectos relevantes a serem abordados no âmbito da AIA, foi identificado o estado da arte dos potenciais impactos ambientais causados por empreendimentos eólicos e as informações importantes para a correta previsão, caracterização e mitigação dos potenciais impactos dessa tipologia de projeto. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam qualidade insatisfatória dos EIAs, com deficiências significativas em todas as etapas, especialmente na avaliação dos impactos e análise de alternativas locacionais e tecnológicas, e ausência de informações importantes para caracterização da vulnerabilidade do meio ambiente. Foram observadas iniciativas pontuais para alteração do conteúdo mínimo exigido aos EIAs, porém, não se observou indícios de que o órgão ambiental esteja considerando atuar proativamente para promover a melhoria da qualidade dos EIAs. Em linhas gerais, o presente estudo indica que se considerados apenas os EIAs, as decisões estão sendo tomadas com base em informações insuficientes e inadequadas e, portanto, que o sistema de AIA não tem se mostrado efetivo para prevenção de impactos significativos. / In order to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets established during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, the energy generation using wind sources was greatly encouraged to fulfill the rising energy demand. While wind energy may lead to lower damage to the environment when compared to other energy sources, wind farms still have potential for significant impact. With this in mind and considering the scenario of intense expansion of wind energy generation, the main objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system assigned to wind energy projects. The state of Ceara was the object of study, since it was the pioneer in the wind energy generation and still is relevant in the national context. This research aimed to identify evidences of the EIA system compliance with good practice and international principles of EIA, and possible shortcomings that could influence the decision-making process. Therefore, the quality of the information presented in Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was evaluated in light of AIA best practice, scientific literature and contextual factors. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the potential of EIS to contribute to decision making in order to prevent social and environmental impacts significant. 31 EIS and the licensing process of 3 projects was scope of this research. The EIS\' quality was evaluated through a checklist developed during this project and the method Environmental Statement Review Package. In order to define the relevant aspects that must be addressed during EIA, the potential environmental impacts caused by wind energy projects were identified in literature. The results of the research indicate poor quality of EIS, with significant deficiencies at all phases, especially in the evaluation of impacts and analysis of locational and technological alternatives, and the lack of important information to characterize the vulnerability of the environment. Some occasional measures to improve the minimum content required for EIS was observed. However, the results didn\'t indicate that the environmental agency is willing to act proactively to improve EIS quality. In general, the present work indicates that if the decision-making process is based only in the EIS content, decisions have been made with insufficient and inadequate information. Therefore, the EIA system seems to be not effective to prevent significant environmental and social impacts.

Die breite Anwendung von Modellsystemen, um heterogene katalytische Prozesse zu verstehen, basiert darauf, die Lücke der strukturellen Komplexität zu überbrücken zwischen heutigen technischen Katalysatoren, bestehend aus einem Metalloxid sowie einem darauf geträgerten Metall, sowie kristallinen Metallen und planaren Metall/Oxid-Systemen, welche dazu benutzt werden, Struktur-Reaktivitäts-Beziehungen mittels einer Fülle von Surface Science-Methoden zu untersuchen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit liegt das Hauptaugenmerk auf so genannten Vanadiumoxid-‚Monolagen’-Katalysatoren, die insbesondere für Oxidationsreaktionen von Methanol eingeführt wurden. Mittels eines ‚bottom-up’-Ansatzes wurden Silica-geträgerte Vanadiumoxid-Modellkatalysatoren untersucht. Durch Kombination einer Reihe experimenteller Techniken wurde die Oberfläche von Mo(112), die als Substrat für den Silica-Film diente, im Detail untersucht und die atomare Struktur des Silica-Films wurde ermittelt. Adsorption von Wasser und das Wachstum von Vanadiumoxid-Nanopartikeln auf dem Silica-Film und schließlich die Reaktivität von Vanadiumoxid/Silica-Systemen gegenüber Methanol wurden untersucht. Im Gegensatz zu früher vorgeschlagenen Modellen sollte eine Sauerstoff-induzierte p(2×3)-Überstruktur, die sich auf einer Mo(112)-Oberfläche ausbilded, angenommen werden als ein eindimensionales Oberflächenoxid, bei dem sich Mo=O-Gruppen bevorzugt entlang der [-1-11]-Richtung der Mo(112)-Oberfläche ausbilden. Monolagen-Silica-Filme, die auf Mo(112) gewachsen wurden, bestehen aus einem zweidimensionalen Netz von SiO4-Tetraedern. In Abhängigkeit der Bedingungen, unter denen der Film präpariert wurde, kann die Struktur durch zusätzlich auf dem Mo-Substrat adsorbierte Sauerstoff-Atome verändert werden. Die Defekt-Struktur schließt Antiphasen-Domänengrenzen ein, die durch eine Verschiebung um die halbe Gitterkonstante entlang der [-110]-Richtung gebildet werden, und eine geringe Dichte von Punkt-Defekten, die höchstwahrscheinlich Silizium-Fehlstellen darstellen. Wasser dissoziiert nicht auf dem Monolagen-Silica-Film. Eine Wasser-Struktur, die geordnet bezüglich des Silica-Films ist, wurde bei 140 K beobachtet, was der guten Übereinstimmung der Gitterkonstanten von Silica-Film und hexagonalem Eis geschuldet ist. Amorphe Lagen festen Wassers, die die Oberfläche bei 100 K homogen bedecken, wurden als reaktive Lagen für Vanadiumoxid-Partikel benutzt, um die ‚Nasschemie’ nachzubilden, wie sie in der Präparation technischer Katalysatoren zum Einsatz kommt. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass die Eis-Lagen die Bildung von hydratisierten Vanadiumoxid-Nanopartikeln, welche teilweise von V=O und V-OH-Gruppen terminiert werden, begünstigen. Die Dehydratisierung geschieht oberhalb 500 K, wobei eine V-terminierte Oberfläche entsteht. Methanol dissoziiert auf dehydratisierten Vanadiumoxid-Partikeln, und Methoxy-Spezies sind auf der Oberfläche stabil bis 500 K, allerdings nur in der Gegenwart von V-Plätzen. Die Produktion von Formaldehyd, die bei etwa 550 K stattfindet, ist stark abhängig von der Struktur der Oberfläche der Vanadiumoxid-Partikel und weist ein Maximum bei einem spezifischen Verhältnis zwischen V- und V=O-Oberflächenplätzen auf. Die hier vorgestellten Ergebnisse könnten unser Verständnis von katalytischen Reaktionen auf molekularer Ebene bedeutend vorantreiben. / The widespread use of model systems for understanding the heterogeneous catalytic processes is based on bridging the structural complexity gap between present generation of supported metal and metal oxide technical catalysts and crystalline metal and planar metal/oxide systems, which are utilized to investigate structure-reactivity relationships by a large variety of surface science techniques. In this thesis, we focused on a concept of so-called ''monolayer'' vanadium oxide catalysts, which have been introduced particularly for methanol oxidation reactions. Following a bottom-up approach, silica supported vanadium oxide model catalysts were investigated. Combining a number of experimental techniques, the surface of Mo(112) used as a substrate for the silica films was characterized in detail and the atomic structure of the silica film was determined. Adsorption of water and growth of vanadium oxide nanoparticles on the silica films, and finally the reactivity of vanadium oxide/silica systems towards methanol were studied. In contrast to the previously suggested models, an oxygen induced p(2×3) superstructure formed on a Mo(112) surface should be considered as one dimensional surface oxide where Mo=O groups are formed preferentially along the [-1-11] direction of the Mo(112) surface. Monolayer silica films grown on Mo(112) surfaces are composed of two-dimensional network of SiO4 tetrahedra. Depending on the film preparation conditions, the structure can be altered by additional oxygen atoms adsorbed on the Mo substrate. The defect structure includes antiphase domain boundaries which form by a half-lattice shift along the [-110] direction and a low density of point defects, most probably silicon vacancies. Water does not dissociate on the monolayer silica film. An ordered structure of water with respect to silica film was observed at 140 K owing to good lattice matching between the silica film and hexagonal ice. Amorphous solid water layers homogenously covering the surface at 100 K were used as reactive layers for vanadium oxide particles in order to mimic ''wet chemistry'' used in preparation of technical catalysts. The results revealed that ice layer assisted the formation of hydrated vanadium oxide nanoparticles partially terminated by V=O and V-OH groups. The dehydration takes place above 500 K, thus exposing V-terminated surface. Methanol dissociates on dehydrated vanadium oxide particles and methoxy species are stable on the surface up to 500 K only in the presence of vanadium terminated surface sites. Formaldehyde production which takes place at ~550 K is strongly affected by the surface structure of the vanadium oxide particles and exhibits a maximum at specific ratio between V- and V=O sites on the surface. The results presented may have a strong impact on our understanding of the catalytic reactions at the molecular level.

資訊科技的運用觀念隨著科技的演化與環境的變遷正快速的改變，早期的資訊運用著重「效率」，所以電腦的使用主要在於大量的資料處理，此觀念的本質在於─以「自動化」解決效率問題。而後電腦的運用漸漸使用於經營效能的改善，此時電腦的用途主要在於管理資訊的取得，此觀念的本質在於─以「合理化」解決管理效能問題。 　　近年來資訊科技的運用已成為提昇企業競爭力的驅動器(enabler)並期望系統能發揮「系統警察」的危機預警功能；本研究的動機使是基於此觀念的觸發，希望以企業「競爭力」的觀點來觀察企業問題的本質，以「系統警察」的觀念來作為系統設計的理念，以「主管資訊系統(EIS)」的特質，來作為系統展現的工具；因此為了要取得台灣製造業者對經營績效的評估準據，以成為「經營績效指標監控系統」的需求規格，所以本研究前半部採用實証研究中的指標發展法，先利用文獻整理來找出經營績效指標，並透過專家座談來確保指標評量表的效度，然後再依此指標評量表對樣本公司訪談，並將訪談結果作信度檢驗及資料分析。所以在本研究中得到以下之成果： 　　1.以營業、財務、生產、人力資源四個構面為基礎的「經營績效指標評估準據訪查表」，該訪查表經過信度與效度的測試結果均相當良好〈訪查表內容詳見附錄三〉。 　　2.在實際的訪查問卷分析中發現，台灣製造業的經營者在監控企業經營績效時，認為最重要看法也最醫治的指標排名前五名依序是： 　　　(1).利潤率 　　　(2).存貨週轉率 　　　(3).資本報酬率 　　　(4).應收帳款週轉率 　　　(5).銷售金額營業利益率 　　3.得到一個企業經營績效指標監控系統的架構與規格〈詳見第五章〉。

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Molten Carbonate Fuel cells are high temperature fuel cells suitable for distributed generation and combined heat and power, and are today being installed on commercial basis in sizes from 100kW to several MW. Novel applications for MCFC which have attracted interest lately are MCFC used for CO2 separation from combustion flue gas, and high temperature electrolysis with reversible fuel cells. In the first application, the intrinsic capability of the MCFC to concentrate CO2 from the cathode to the anode side through the cell reaction is utilized. In the second application, the high operating temperature and relatively simple design of the MCFC is utilized in electrolysis, with the aim to produce a syngas mix which can be further processed into hydrogen of synthetic fuels. In this thesis, the effect on fuel cell performance of operating a small lab-scale molten carbonate fuel cell in conditions which simulate those that would apply if the fuel cell was used for CO2 separation in combustion flue gas was studied. Such operating conditions are characterized especially by a low CO2 concentration at the cathode compared to normal operating conditions. Sulfur contaminants in fuel gas, especially H2S, are known poisoning agents which cause premature degradation of the MCFC. Furthermore, combustion flue gas often contains sulfur dioxide which, if entering the cathode, causes performance degradation by corrosion and by poisoning of the fuel cell. This makes poisoning by sulfur contaminants of great concern for MCFC development. In this thesis, the effect of sulfur contaminants at both anode and cathode on fuel cell degradation was evaluated in both normal and in low CO2 simulated flue gas conditions.      The results suggested that the poisoning effect of SO2 at the cathode is similar to that of H2S at the anode, and that it is possibly due to a transfer of sulfur from cathode to anode. Furthermore, in combination with low CO2 conditions at the cathode, SO2 contaminants cause fuel cell poisoning and electrolyte degradation, causing high internal resistance. By using a small lab-scale MCFC with commercial materials and standard fuel cell operating conditions, the reversible MCFC was demonstrated to be feasible. The electrochemical performance was investigated in both fuel cell (MCFC) and electrolysis cell (MCEC) modes. The separate electrodes were studied in fuel cell and electrolysis modes under different operating conditions. It was shown that the fuel cell exhibited lower polarization in MCEC mode than in MCFC mode, and a high CO2 concentration at the fuel cell anode reduced the polarization in electrolysis mode, which suggested that CO2 is reduced to produce CO or carbonate. / Smältkarbonatbränsleceller (MCFC) är en typ av högtemperaturbränsleceller som är anpassade för kombinerad el- och värmeproduktion i mellan-till stor skala. Idag installeras MCFC på kommersiell basis i storlekar mellan 100kW och flera MW. En ny typ av tillämpning för MCFC som har väckt intresse på senare tid är användandet av MCFC för CO2-avskiljning i kombination med konventionell elproduktion genom förbränning. En annan ny tillämpning är högtemperaturelektrolys genom användandet av reversibla bränsleceller. I det första fallet utnyttjas att CO2 kan koncentreras från katod- till anodsidan, vilket sker genom cellreaktionen för MCFC. I det andra fallet utnyttjas den höga arbetstemperaturen och den relativt enkla cell-designen för att använda reversibla MCFC till elektrolys, med syfte att producera en syngas-blandning som kan förädlas till vätgas eller till syntetiskt bränsle. I denna avhandling studeras effekten på bränslecellens prestanda genom att operera en MCFC i lab-skala med driftförhållanden som simulerar de som förväntas uppkomma om bränslecellen användes för CO2-avskiljning ur rökgaser från förbränning. Dessa driftförhållanden karaktäriseras av låg CO2-koncentration på katodsidan jämfört med normal drift. Svavelföroreningar i bränsle, speciellt H2S, är kända för att orsaka förgiftning av anoden, vilket i sin tur försämrar bränslecellens prestanda. Dessutom innehåller rökgaser ofta SO2, vilket antas orsaka korrosion och förgiftning av katoden. Detta gör effekten av svavelföroreningar till ett prioriterat ämne för utvecklingen av MCFC. I denna avhandling undersöks effekten av svavelföroreningar på både anod- och katodsidan, i normala driftförhållanden och i förhållanden med låg CO2 som simulerar användandet av rökgaser för CO2-avskiljning. Resultaten tyder på att effekten av förgiftning med SO2 på katoden liknar den med H2S på anoden, och att detta kan vara orsakat av en transport av svavel från katod till anod. Vidare, i kombination med låg CO2 koncentration på katoden så orsakar SO2-föroreningar elektrolytdegradering, vilket orsakar hög inre resistans. Genom att använda en liten MCFC i lab-skala med kommersiella material och standardförhållanden för MCFC påvisades att reversibla smältkarbonatbränsleceller kan vara ett lovande koncept. Den elektrokemiska prestandan av både cell och separata elektroder undersöktes både som bränslecell (MCFC)och vid elektrolys (MCEC). Resultaten visade att cellen uppvisade lägre polarisation vid elektrolys än som bränslecell, och att ten hög CO2-koncentration på det som är bränslecellens anodsida gav upphov till en minskad elektrodpolarisation, vilket indikerar att CO2 reduceras för att producera CO eller karbonat. / <p>QC 20141028</p>

Le Titane (Ti) est un matériau biocompatible largement utilisé dans le domaine biomédical, notamment pour les implants orthopédiques (prothèse de hanche ou du genou par exemple). Il se distingue plus particulièrement par son excellente résistance à la corrosion et sa capacité d’ostéo-intégration. Cependant, une surface plane de Ti n’est pas assez bioactive pour être implantée ; il est nécessaire d’avoir recours à un traitement de surface pour améliorer ses propriétés. La modification de la surface du titane par anodisation permet la synthèse de nanotubes (NTs) de TiO2 ordonnés et verticalement alignés. Cette technique, peu couteuse, rapide et facile à mettre en œuvre permet également de contrôler finement la morphologie des NTs (diamètre, longueur, aspect des parois…). De plus, les NTs étant amorphes après anodisation, la structure cristalline peut être ajustée par un traitement thermique, conduisant à une structure anatase (450°C) ou à une structure mixte d’anatase et de rutile (550°C).Ainsi, des surfaces de différentes morphologies et différentes structures cristallines ont été synthétisées dans ce travail de thèse, afin d’évaluer l’influence des caractéristiques morpho-structurelles sur la résistance à la corrosion en milieu physiologique et sur la bioactivité (formation d’hydroxyapatite et réponse cellulaire).Nous avons démontré dans cette étude que les NTs cristallisés présentent une plus grande résistance à la corrosion et une meilleure bioactivité que les NTs amorphes (ou que les surfaces planes de Ti). Plus précisément, en tenant compte des aspects électrochimiques, thermiques, mécaniques, chimiques et de bioactivité, il semblerait que des NTs mixtes d’environ 720 nm de long et 90 nm de diamètre constituent une surface optimale pour les applications visées.D’autre part, dans le cadre de l’étude des propriétés électrochimiques de l’interface, une attention toute particulière a été accordée dans ce travail de thèse à la modélisation des résultats de mesures par Spectroscopie d’Impédance Electrochimique (SIE). Il s’avère que la réponse en impédance des NTs de TiO2 en milieu physiologique correspond au modèle d’électrode poreuse de De Levie. Toutefois, pour des électrodes poreuses non-idéales, cette théorie peut être généralisée et modélisée par des lignes de transmission. Ainsi, le modèle de ligne de transmission proposé dans cette étude s’ajuste de façon très satisfaisante aux mesures expérimentales. Il permet notamment de mettre en évidence la nature très peu réactive des NTs de TiO2, justifiant ainsi leurs applications dans le domaine biomédical. / Titanium (Ti) is a biocompatible material widely used in the biomedical field, especially for orthopedic implants (for instance hip or knee replacement). It is particularly corrosion resistant and shows remarkable osseointegration properties. However, plane Ti surfaces are not bioactive enough to be implanted; they need to be improved by surface treatments. Surface modification of Ti by anodization enables to synthesize self-organized and vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes (NTs). This cheap, fast and easily implementable technique also permits a fine tuning of NTs morphology (diameter, length, wall look, etc.). Moreover, since as-anodized NTs are amorphous, crystalline structure may be adjusted by heat treatment, producing anatase structure (450°C) or a mixed structure of anatase and rutile (550°C).Therefore, surfaces of different morphologies and crystalline structures have been synthesized in order to evaluate the influence of these characteristics on corrosion resistance in physiological medium and on bioactivity (hydroxyapatite formation and cell response).We demonstrated that crystallized NTs are more corrosion resistant and more bioactive than amorphous ones or even than flat Ti surfaces. More precisely, considering electrochemical, thermal, mechanical, chemical and bioactive aspects, it seems that mixed NTs of about 720 nm in length and 90 nm in diameter constitute an optimal surface for the present applications.Additionally, in the frame of electrochemical investigations, we focused on modeling experimental results from Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The impedance response of TiO2 NTs in physiological conditions can correspond to porous electrode model as developed by De Levie. However, for non-ideal electrodes, this theory can be generalized and modeled by transmission lines. Thus, the transmission line model developed in this study fits very well with experimental measurements. It suggests that TiO2 NTs are almost non-reactive, justifying their applications in biomedical fields.

No description available.