Electrocatalysis plays a prominent role in renewable energy conversion and storage, enabling a number of sustainable processes for future technologies. There are generally three strategies to improve the efficiency (or activity) of the electrocatalysts: (i) increasing the intrinsic activity of the catalyst itself; (ii) improving the exposure of active sites; and (iii) acceleratingmass transfer during catalysis (both reactants and products). These strategies are not mutually exclusive and can ideally be addressed simultaneously, leading to the largest improvements in activity. Aerogels, as featured by large surface area, high porosity, and self-supportability provide a platform that matches all the aforementioned criteria for the design of efficient electrocatalysts. The field of aerogel synthesis has seen much progress in recent years, mainly thanks to the rapid development of nanotechnology. Employing precursors with different properties enables the resulting aerogel with targeted catalytic properties and improved performances. This report demonstrates the design strategies of aerogel catalysts and reviews their performances for several electrochemical reactions. The common principles that govern electrocatalysis are further discussed for each category of reactions, thus serving as a guide to the development of future aerogel electrocatalysts.

Différents matériaux hybrides à base de polyoxométallates (POMs) ont été synthétisés au cours de cette thèse. Dans un premier type de matériaux, appelé POM@MOF, des POMs sont incorporés au sein des cavités poreuses d'un Metal-Organic-Framework (MOF). Ces matériaux ont été synthétisés par une méthode d'imprégnation en milieu aqueux ou par synthèse directe en conditions solvothermales. Ils ont ensuite été caractérisés de manière approfondie. La stabilité ou l'évolution des polyoxométallates lors de l'incorporation dans le MOF étant chaque fois parfaitement établie. Les matériaux POM@MOFs ont ensuite été étudiés pour leurs applications en magnétisme, pour la détection et en catalyse. Dans un second temps, des polymère de coordination hybrides à base de POMs (surnomés POMOFs) construits à partir d'isomères ε-Keggin reliés par des ligands organiques ont été synthétisés par voie hydrothermale. De nouvelles structures POMOFs ont pu être obtenue en présence de POMs, de ligands carboxylates et de complexes métalliques comme contre-ions non-innocents. L'activité de ces matériaux vis-à-vis de la réduction des protons a été étudiée par électrocatalyse et photocatalyse. Parallèlement, des synthèses de composés moléculaires solubles à base de POMs ε-Keggin ont également été réalisées. Finalement, des espèces hybrides incorporant des métaux de transitions et des ligands bisphosphonates ont été synthétisées : des polymères incorporant du cuivre(II) et un composé moléculaire à base fer(III). Ces espèces ont ensuite été étudiées pour leurs propriétés magnétiques, catalytiques pour la réduction des NOx. L'espèce à base de fer a également été sélectionnée comme substrat pour des études de dépôt sur surface de silice. / Different Polyoxometalate (POM) based hybrid materials were synthesised during this doctorate. In the first type of materials, called POM@MOF, POMs are incorporated in the porous cavities of a Metal-Organic-Framework (MOF). These materials were synthesised by a impregnation method in an aqueous medium or by direct synthesis in solvothermal conditions. They were then extensively characterised. For every material, the stability or transformation of the POMs during the incorporation was accurately established. The POM@MOFs materials were then studied for their applications in magnetism, for detection and in catalysis. In a second time, POM-based hybrid coordination polymers (called POMOFs) made from ε-Keggin isomers connected by organic linkers were synthesised by a hydrothermal method. New POMOFs structures have been obtained with POMs, carboxylate linkers and metallic complexes as non-innocents counter ions. The catalytic activity of these materials toward protons reduction was studied by electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. In parallel, syntheses of soluble molecular compounds based on ε-Keggin POMs were also performed. Finally, hybrid species incorporating transition metals and bisphosphonate linkers were synthesised : three copper(II) based polymers and a molecular coumpound incorporating iron(III). The magnetic and catalytic (reduction of NOx) properties of these materials were then studied. The iron based species was also selected as substrate for the deposition on a silica surface.

No description available.

The development of core-shell structures remains a fundamental challenge for pure metallic aerogels. Here we report the synthesis of PdxAu-Pt core-shell aerogels comprised of an ultrathin Pt shell and a composition-tunable PdxAu alloy core. The universality of this strategy ensures the extension of core compositions to Pd-transition metal alloys. The core-shell aerogels exhibited largely improved Pt utilization efficiency for oxygen reduction reaction and their activities show a volcano-type relationship as a function of the lattice parameter of the core substrate. The maximum mass and specific activities are 5.25 A mg-1Pt and 2.53 mA cm-2, which are 18.7 and 4.1 times higher than those of Pt/C, respectively, demonstrating the superiority of the core-shell metallic aerogels. The proposed core-based activity descriptor provides a new possible strategy for the design of future core-shell electrocatalysts.

The electrocatalytic splitting of water is recognized to be the most sustainable and clean technology for the production of hydrogen (H₂). Unfortunately, the efficiency is seriously restricted by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. In contrast to the OER, the electrooxidation of organic compounds (EOO) is more thermodynamically and kinetically favorable. Thus, the coupling of the EOO and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has emerged as an alternative route, as it can greatly improve the catalytic efficiency for the production of H₂. Simultaneously, value-added organic compounds can be generated on the anode through electrooxidation upgrading. In this Minireview, we highlight the latest progress and milestones in coupling the EOO with the HER. Emphasis is focused on the design of the anode catalyst, understanding the reaction mechanism, and the construction of the electrolyzer. Moreover, challenges and prospects are offered relating to the future development of this emerging technology.

The goal of this research is to test the design constraints of active dpp-bridged RuII,RhIII (dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine)) supramolecular photocatalysts for water reduction to H2 and provide mechanistic insights into the catalytic cycle. Two member of a new RuII,RhIII motifs with only one Rh-'Cl bond, [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(tpy)](PF6)4 ( bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, tpy = 2,2':6,2"-terpyridine) and [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(tpm)](PF6)4, (tpm = tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane), and a cis-RhCl2 model system, [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl2(bpy)](PF6)3, were prepared. This new motif was to test whether two Rh-'Cl bonds on RhIII are required for the photocatalytic water reduction. 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis of complexes prepared using deuterated ligands was used to characterize these three RuII,RhIII supramolecular complexes. Electrochemical studies suggested that replacing bpy with a tridentate ligand on RhIII shifts the RhIII/II and RhII/I reduction couples positively, which can modulate the orbital energetics of the RhIII LUMO (lowest-unoccupied molecular orbital). This substitute also changes the rate of ligand dissociation following the reduction of RhIII. In tpm and bpy systems, RhII intermediate is more stable than that in the tpy system. All three complexes were good light absorbers in the visible region and weak emitters from their emissive Ru(dπ)-'dpp(π*) 3MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited states at room temperature. The population of a low-lying 3MMCT (metal-to-metal charge transfer) ES (excited state) from the 3MLCT ES contributed to the weak emission, indicating an important intramolecular electron transfer process from dpp' to RhIII upon photoexcitation. The lower-lying 3MMCT excited state in the tpm and tpy systems relative to the bpy system result in a higher rate constant (ket = 2.6 x 10^7 vs 1.7 x 10^7 s-1) for intramolecular electron transfer. Spectrophotochemical analysis suggested that all three complexes were photoinitiated electron collectors capable of collecting two electrons on the RhIII center to generate the RuII,RhI species in the presence of DMA (N,N-dimethylaniline). The observed H2 production from water using [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(tpm)](PF6)4 and [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(tpy)](PF6)4 established that two halides on RhIII are not necessary in the dpp-bridge RuII,RhIII supramolecular photocatalytic-water-reduction system. This new discovery opens a new approach to the design of different RuII,RhIII motifs for photocatalysis. The active species for water reduction is proposed to be [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhICl(TL)]3+ from [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(TL)](PF6)4 (TL (terminal ligand) = tpy or tpm) and [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)Rh(bpy)]3+ from [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl2(bpy)](PF6)3 respectively. Included here is the design and study of a RuII,RhI complex, [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(COD)](PF6)3 (COD =1,5-cyclooctadiene) to provide more insights into the photophysical and photochemical properties of polypyridyl RuII,RhI species. Electrochemical and photophysical studies revealed a dpp-based LUMO in this RuII,RhI complex, suggesting dpp reduction upon photoexcitation. Photochemical study found that [(bpy)2Ru(dpp)RhCl(COD)](PF6)3 is an active photocatalyst for water reduction and that additional reduction(s) is (are) required after the generation of the RuII,RhI active species in the RuII,RhIII supramolecular photocatalytic H2 production system. This hypothesis was supported by the electrocatalytic behaviors of the RuII,RhIII supramolecular complexes for proton reduction. Cyclic voltammetry results in the presence of an acid suggested that the protonolysis of the RuII,RhIIH and RuII,RhIH species are electrocatalytic H2-evolution pathways. The mechanism is acid-dependent and influenced by terminal ligand. The studies of electrocatalytic proton reduction on these RuII,RhIII complexes suggested several possible intermediates involved in the photocatalytic water reduction cycle. The insights gained from this research can provide guidance in designing new type of RuII,RhIII and RuII,RhI complexes with better photocatalytic and/or electrocatalytic H2 production performance. / Ph. D.

Ce travail de thèse s'inscrit dans le contexte général des solutions envisageables pour répondre aux problèmes du réchauffement climatique global et de la diminution des ressources fossiles. Il a été en majeure partie consacré à l'étude et au développement d'électrocatalyseurs moléculaires pour la réduction du dioxyde de carbone. Un tel procédé pourrait permettre de transformer et valoriser le CO2 en l'exploitant comme une matière première carbonée disponible en quantité non limitée, bon marché et peu toxique. Dans une première partie, un métallocavitand, dont la structure est basée sur un calix[4]arène fonctionnalisé par quatre complexes phénanthroline tris-carbonyl de rhénium(I), a été étudié en solution et sur déposé sur surface transparente conductrice. Le but de cette étude était de contrôler par un stimulus électrochimique la fermeture et l'ouverture du bord large du cavitand. La complexité des processus rédox de ces métallo-macrocycles nous a conduits à étudier en détails les propriétés électrochimiques de complexes de rhénium(I) modèles. Ces propriétés avaient précédemment été rapportées dans la littérature mais étaient sujettes à désaccords entre les différents auteurs. Finalement l'ensemble de cette étude nous a conduits à préciser et à mieux comprendre le mécanisme de la catalyse de réduction du CO2 par ce type de complexes. Dans une deuxième partie, qui représente la partie la plus conséquente de cette thèse, la synthèse, la caractérisation physico-chimique et l'étude spectro-électrochimique de complexes bipyridine tris-carbonyle de manganèse, analogues des complexes de rhénium évoqués ci-dessus, ont été entreprises. Le but était de développer un catalyseur innovant pour la réduction électrochimique du dioxyde de carbone, du type complexe métallique, en substituant les métaux rares utilisés actuellement par un métal non-noble et abondant : le manganèse. Les propriétés électrochimiques des nouveaux complexes de Mn synthétisés ont été caractérisées en détail. La simulation des voltammétries cycliques, associée à des études mécanistiques par spectro-électrochimie UV-vis, a permis d'accéder aux données cinétiques et thermodynamiques des différentes réactions chimiques associées aux réactions de transferts d'électron irréversibles. Ces complexes de manganèse se sont révélés être des électrocatalyseurs de la réduction du CO2 au moins aussi efficaces que les complexes analogues de rhénium, décrits jusque-là comme étant les meilleurs systèmes pour cette application. Les complexes de Mn ainsi préparés montrent une excellente sélectivité (rendements faradiques élevés et peu ou pas de H2) et une bonne efficacité pour l'électro-réduction du CO2 en CO en milieu hydro-organique. Les catalyses à l'échelle préparatrice fonctionnent avec des surtensions modérées. Les mécanismes mis en jeu lors de la catalyse ont été étudiés par spectro-électrochimie UV-vis et RPE (en onde continue et pulsée) associées à des caculs théoriques DFT. Un intermédiaire-clé a ainsi pu être mis en évidence et caractérisé. Enfin, l'étude des réactions de décarbonylation photo-induites dans ces complexes est rapportée. / This PhD takes place in the general context of possible solutions to global warming and peak oil issues. It mostly deals with the study and development of molecular electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. This process may open the way to the use and valorization of CO2 as a raw material. In the first part, a metallocavitand, which structure is based on a calix[4]arene modified by four phenanthroline tris-carbonyl rhenium(I) complexes, was studied in solution and deposited on a conductive transparent surface. The aim of this study was to control through an electrochemical stimulus the closing and opening of the wide rim of the cavitand. Complexity of the redox properties of the metallocavitand led us to investigate in detail the electrochemical properties of simpler examples of these rhenium(I) complexes. These properties were previously described in the literature ; however, there was disagreement in the interpretation of the results. Finally this study led us to a more precise and better understanding of the mechanism of the reduction of CO2 by a complex of this kind. In the second part, which is the main part of this PhD, synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and spectro-electrochemical study of bipyridine tris-carbonyl manganese complexes, analogues of the rhenium complexes mentioned above, were undertaken. The aim was to develop an innovative catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, based on a metallic complex, by substituting rare and noble metals currently used by a non-noble and abundant metal: manganese. Electrochemical properties of newly synthesized manganese complexes were investigated in detail. Simulations of cyclic voltammetry, associated with mechanism studies by UV-vis spectro-electrochemistry, allowed us to determine kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the different chemical reactions coupled with the irreversible electron transfers. These manganese complexes proved to electrocatalyse the reduction of carbon dioxide at least as efficiently as the analog rhenium complexes which were, until now, the best system for this application. These manganese electrocatalysts exhibit a very good selectivity (high faradic yields and no or very little H2) and a good efficiency for reduction of CO2 to CO in aqueous-organic media. Preparative scale electrolysis operates at low overpotential. Mechanisms of the different catalytic pathways were studied using UV-vis and EPR (continuous wave or pulsed) spectro-electrochemistry associated with DFT calculations. A key-intermediate was evinced and investigated. Finally the study of photo-induced decarbonylation reactions of these complexes is also described.

Το Η2 είναι το ελαφρύτερο και πλέον άφθονο στοιχείο στη φύση. Βρίσκεται παντού στη γη, στο νερό, στα ορυκτά καύσιμα και σε όλα τα έμβια όντα. Αν το Η2 αξιοποιηθεί κατάλληλα και χρησιμοποιηθεί για τροφοδοσία των κελιών καυσίμου, θα ελαχιστοποιηθεί η εξάρτηση του σύγχρονου πολιτισμού από τα ορυκτά καύσιμα, με συνεπακόλουθο τη μείωση των εκπομπών βλαβερών αερίων στην ατμόσφαιρα. Η χαμηλή θερμοκρασία λειτουργίας των κελιών καυσίμου πολυμερούς ηλεκτρολύτη (PEMFCs) προσφέρει πολλά πλεονεκτήματα και σε συνδυασμό με την υψηλή πυκνότητα ισχύος που αποδίδουν, τα καθιστά κύριους υποψήφιους για εφαρμογή στην αυτοκίνηση. Ωστόσο, η χαμηλή θερμοκρασία εγείρει και σημαντικά προβλήματα, όπως η χρήση ευγενών μετάλλων για την επιτάχυνση των αντιδράσεων και η ευαισθησία σε φαινόμενα δηλητηρίασης. Το κυριότερο δηλητήριο είναι το CO, βασικό παραπροϊόν των διεργασιών παραγωγής H2 από τους υδρογονάνθρακες, οι οποίοι προς το παρόν αποτελούν την κύρια πηγή του. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή εξετάστηκαν τα φαινόμενα δηλητηρίασης από το CO της ανόδου του PEMFC. Καθώς το CO δεσμεύεται ισχυρότερα στην επιφάνεια του Pt από το καύσιμο Η2, η παρουσία του στην τροφοδοσία ακόμα και σε ίχνη απενεργοποιεί δραματικά τη λειτουργία της ανόδου. Έτσι, μελετήθηκαν διμεταλλικά και τριμεταλλικά καταλυτικά συστήματα, βασισμένα στο Pt, για την πιθανή αντιμετώπιση του προβλήματος, διαμέσου εξασθένισης του δεσμού Pt-CO ή ενίσχυσης της ηλεκτροχημικής οξείδωσής του από το Η2Ο, που είναι άφθονο στο περιβάλλον ενός PEMFC. Στο κεφάλαιο 1 περιγράφονται οι βιβλιογραφικές πληροφορίες για την τεχνολογία του Η2, όπως μέθοδοι παραγωγής του, καθαρισμού του και αποθήκευσης/μεταφοράς του. Στο κεφάλαιο 2 αναφέρονται οι βασικές αρχές λειτουργίας των κελιών καυσίμου, όσον αφορά στη θερμοδυναμική και στην κινητική, στα είδη τους και στις πιθανές εφαρμογές τους. Στο κεφάλαιο 3 γίνεται εκτενής περιγραφή των δομικών στοιχείων που απαρτίζουν ένα PEMFC, και βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση των καταλυτικών συστημάτων που έχουν μελετηθεί για τις βασικές αντιδράσεις. Στο κεφάλαιο 4 περιγράφονται συνοπτικά οι μέθοδοι χαρακτηρισμού και ανάλυσης καθώς και οι πειραματικές διατάξεις που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν. Στο κεφάλαιο 5 εξετάστηκε η επίδραση του υποστρώματος TiO2 στα χαρακτηριστικά του Pt, όσον αφορά την αλληλεπίδρασή του με το CO, σε διάταξη μονής κυψέλης καυσίμου. Παρουσιάστηκε αυξημένη ενεργότητα για την ηλεκτροοοξείδωση του CO και ασθενέστερη αλληλεπίδρασή του με την επιφάνεια του Pt, συντελώντας σε ενεργοποιημένη ρόφηση. Στο κεφάλαιο 6 με φασματοσκοπία υπερύθρου μελετήθηκαν τα χαρακτηριστικά της ρόφησης/εκρόφησης του CO σε μια σειρά καταλυτών Pt-Mo σε υπόστρωμα TiO2. Παρουσία των οξειδίων του Mo η θερμοκρασία εκρόφησης του CO ήταν σημαντικά μειωμένη σε σχέση με μονομεταλλικό Pt, υποδεικνύοντας ασθενέστερο δεσμό του CO με την καταλυτική επιφάνεια. Ωστόσο, παρουσία H2 ο δεσμός ισχυροποιείται, με αποτέλεσμα η εκρόφηση να πραγματοποιείται σε υψηλότερη θερμοκρασία. Αυτό εξηγήθηκε με βάση την ανταγωνιστική αντίδραση του H2 με τις οξειδικές ομάδες, τόσο του υποστρώματος TiO2, όσο και των οξειδίων του Mo. Στο κεφάλαιο 7 εξετάστηκε η οξείδωση του CO σε καταλύτη Pt4Mo/C, δεδομένου του αποσταθεροποιητικού ρόλου του Mo στα χαρακτηριστικά της αλληλεπίδρασης με το CO. Έτσι, αναγνωρίστηκε η ικανότητα των οξειδίων του Mo να διασπούν το Η2Ο σε δυναμικά που συμπίπτουν με τη λειτουργία της ανόδου ενός PEMFC, ενώ παρουσίασαν ενεργότητα για την οξείδωση του CO σε συνθήκες ανοιχτού κυκλώματος διαμέσου της αντίδρασης μετατόπισης με ατμό σε χαμηλή θερμοκρασία μέχρι και 60οC. Ωστόσο, η παραπάνω ιδιότητες δεν ήταν κατανεμημένες ομοιόμορφα στην καταλυτική επιφάνεια, παρά μόνο στη διεπιφάνεια Pt/MoOx, ενώ οι θέσεις μονομεταλλικού Pt παρουσίασαν έντονα φαινόμενα δηλητηρίασης. Επιπλέον, το Mo παρουσιάστηκε ευαίσθητο σε φαινόμενα διάλυσης στο όξινο υδατικό περιβάλλον του PEMFC για δυναμικά μεγαλύτερα από 0.2 V. Στο κεφάλαιο 8 μελετήθηκε η αλληλεπίδραση του CO με τριμεταλλικό καταλύτη Pt-Ru-Co σε σύγκριση με εμπορικό PtRu/C. Ο τριμεταλλικός καταλύτης παρουσιάστηκε ενεργότερος, με χαμηλότερη φαινόμενη ενέργεια ενεργοποίησης για την οξείδωση ροφημένου CO, εμφανίζοντας ισχυρότερη εξάρτηση από το εφαρμοζόμενο δυναμικό. / Hydrogen is the lighter and more abundant element in nature. It is everywhere in earth, water, fossil fuels and in all the living creatures. If H2 can be properly extracted and utilized as a fuel in fuel cells, the dependence of the global economy on fossil fuels will be minimized, resulting in significant attenuation of the greenhouse gases emissions in the atmosphere. The low operation temperature of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) offers a lot of advantages. In combination with the high power density yielded by the PEMFCs renders them as the main candidates for application in automotive industry. However, the low temperature raises significant problems, such as the use of noble metals for the acceleration of the basic reactions and the susceptibility in poisoning phenomena. The basic poison is carbon monoxide (CO), one of the main side-products of H2 production from fossil fuels, which for the moment is the main source of H2. In this thesis, the poisoning phenomena of the PEMFCs anode electrocatalysts from CO were investigated. Since CO is bounded on the surface of Pt stronger than the H2 fuel, its presence in the fuel feed in ppm levels deactivates the anode electrocatalyst. In order to eliminate this problem, bimetallic and ternary catalytic systems, based on Pt, were studied with the aim to reduce the Pt-CO bond strength or to promote the electrocatalytic oxidation of CO by water, which is abundant in the PEMFC environment. In chapter 1 is reported the literature information about H2 technology, such as H2 production and cleaning methods and the transport and storage infrastructure. In chapter 2, the basic thermodynamic and kinetic rules of fuel cells operation are referred together with the types of fuel cells and the possible applications. In chapter 3 the structural characteristics of the PEMFCs are outlined and the basic catalytic systems that have been studied for the fuel cell reactions are reviewed. The catalysts’ characterization methods, as well as the experimental procedures utilized in this thesis, are briefly described in chapter 4. In chapter 5 the effect of TiO2 support on the CO chemisorption’s and oxidative properties of Pt was investigated in a single PEMFC configuration. The activity of the CO electrooxidation reaction was enhanced and the Pt-CO bond was destabilized comparing to a commercial Pt/C catalyst. In chapter 6 the CO adsorption/desorption properties were studied by Infrared Spectroscopy, on a series of Pt-Mo catalysts supported on anatase TiO2. The presence of Mo oxides on the catalyst surface reduces significantly the CO desorption temperature in comparison to monometallic TiO2 supported Pt, suggesting the weak CO bonding on the catalytic surface. However, in the presence of H2, the Pt-CO bond strengthens, resulting in higher CO desorption temperature for all the catalysts tested. This was explained on the basis of competitive reaction of H2 with the oxidic surface species, originating from the TiO2 support and the surface Mo oxides. The CO electrooxidation activity of a Pt4Mo/C catalyst is described in chapter 7, considering the destabilizing effect of Mo on the Pt-CO bond. The surface Mo oxide species were able to dissociate H2O at potential values that coincide with the potential window of the PEMFC anode operation. This catalyst oxidized CO under open circuit conditions through the water gas shift reaction and at temperature as low as 60oC. However, the catalytic activity was not homogeneously distributed on the entire catalyst surface, but it was located at the Pt/MoOx interface, with the monometallic Pt sites to be strongly susceptible to CO poisoning. Furthermore, Mo was sensitive to dissolution phenomena in the hydrous acidic environment of the PEMFC for potentials higher than 0.2 V vs. rhe. Finally, in chapter 8 is described the interaction of CO with a ternary Pt-Ru-Co catalyst surface, in comparison to a commercial PtRu/C catalyst. The ternary catalyst was more active for the adsorbed CO electrooxidation, with a lower apparent activation energy than the bimetallic commercial one. The ternary catalyst exhibited zero reaction order with respect to CO partial pressure, while the PtRu/C showed negative reaction order due to competitive adsorption of CO and oxidic species for the same catalytic sites. The kinetic rate constant of the CO electrooxidation reaction for the ternary catalyst showed stronger dependence on the applied potential.

Orientador: Newton Luiz Dias Filho / Resumo: No presente trabalho, a 3-cloropropil sílica gel (SG) foi preparada e organofuncionalizada com dois grupos funcionais, 2-aminotiazol (SATZ) e 5-amino-1,3,4-tiadiazol-2-tiol (SATT). Com o objetivo de produzir novos materiais através da modificação química da superfície da sílica gel, com aplicabilidade na remoção de íons metálicos em meio etanólico, tendo a possibilidade de serem aplicados na remoção de metais pesados em combustível etanol e aguardente. Esses novos materiais também podem ser trabalhados como novos eletrodos quimicamente modificados na detecção de nitrito encontrado na urina e em águas naturais. Esses materiais foram caracterizados por técnicas de espectroscopia na Região do Infravermelho (FTIR), ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Posteriormente foram realizados estudos de adsorção de íons metálicos (Cu+2, Cd+2 e Zn+2) para o SATZ e SATT em solvente etanólico (99%). Para testar a capacidade de adsorção de íons metálicos, determinou-se a cinática de adsorção para todos íons Cu+2, Cd+2 e Zn+2 (40 minutos), determinou-se a capacidade de adsorção (Nf) através de isotermas com diferentes concentrações molares dos íons metálicos. Ambos os adsorventes tiveram uma capacidade máxima de adsorção maior para os íons Zn2+ do que para os íons Cd2+ e Cu2+, de acordo com a seguinte ordem: Zn2+>Cd2+>Cu2+. Em uma segunda etapa do trabalho após a adsorção dos íons cúpricos (Cu2+) pelo SATT, reagiu-se o SATT com hexacianoferrato (III) ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In the present work, 3-chloropropyl silica gel (SG) was prepared and organofunctionalized with two functional groups, 2-aminothiazole (SATZ) and 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (SATT). With the objective of producing new materials through the chemical modification of the silica gel surface, with applicability in the removal of metallic ions in ethanolic medium, having the possibility of being applied in the removal of heavy metals in fuel ethanol and brandy. These new materials can also be worked as new chemically modified electrodes in the detection of nitrite found in urine and in natural waters. These materials were characterized by Infrared Region Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Subsequently, adsorption studies of metal ions (Cu + 2, Cd + 2 and Zn + 2) were performed for SATZ and SATT in ethanolic solvent (99%). The adsorption kinetics were determined for all metal ions Cu + 2, Cd + 2 and Zn + 2 (40 minutes), the adsorption capacity (Nf) was determined through isotherms with different molar concentrations of the metal ions. Both adsorbents had a maximum adsorption capacity it was higher for Zn2 + ions than for Cd2 + and Cu2 + ions, according to the following order: Zn2 +> Cd2 + > Cu2+ . In a second step of the work after the copper ions (Cu2+) adsorption by SATT, the SATT was reacted with potassium hexacyanoferrate (III), thus forming the CuSATTH complex. The graphite paste electrode chemically mod... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Le dihydrogène (H2) se présente comme le futur vecteur énergétique pour une économie basée sur des ressources propres et respectueuses de l'environnement. Il est le combustible idéal de la pile à combustible régénérative constituée de deux entités : un électrolyseur pour sa production, et une pile à combustible pour sa conversion directe en énergie électrique. Ce système présente l'avantage d'être compact et autonome. Cependant, l'amélioration de l'activité catalytique des matériaux, leur stabilité et l'élimination de métaux nobles dans leur composition sont nécessaires. Des catalyseurs bifonctionnels à base de métaux de transition associés au graphène ont alors été synthétisés. L'interaction oxyde-graphène a été étudiée sur un catalyseur Co3O4/NRGO. À faible teneur en cobalt, l'interaction entre les atomes de cobalt de l'oxyde et les atomes d'azote greffés sur les plans de graphène a été observée par voltammétrie cyclique. Cette interaction est responsable d'une diminution de la taille des nanoparticules de cobaltite et de l'activité de celles-ci vis-à-vis de la réaction de réduction du dioxygène (RRO). La substitution du cobalt par le nickel dans des structures de type spinelle (NiCo2O4/RGO) obtenu par voie solvothermale, a permis d'améliorer les performances électrocatalytiques vis-à-vis de la RRO et de la RDO. Ce matériau et un autre de type Fe-N-C préparé en collaboration avec un laboratoire de l'Université Technique de Berlin ont servi de cathode dans des études préliminaires réalisées en configuration pile à combustible alcaline à membrane échangeuse d'anion (SAFC). / Hydrogen, as an environmentally friendly future energy vector, is a non-toxic and convenient molecule for regenerative fuel cell, which connects two different technologies: an electrolyzer for H2 production, and a fuel cell for its direct conversion to electric energy. This kind of system possesses many advantages, such as lightness, compactness and more autonomy. However, improvement of activity and durability of electrode materials free from noble metals in their composition is needed. Thereby, bifunctional catalysts composed of transition metals deposited onto graphene-based materials were synthesized. The interaction between the metal atom of the oxide and the graphene doped heteroatom in the Co3O4/NRGO catalyst was investigated physicochemically. With a low cobalt loading, the interaction between cobalt and nitrogen was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, which revealed that it was responsible for decreasing the oxide nanoparticle size, as well as increasing the material activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The substitution of Co by Ni in the spinel structure (NiCo2O4/RGO) obtained by solvothermal synthesis, allowed the enhancement of the electrocatalytic performances towards the ORR and OER. Moreover, this catalyst as well as another material prepared in collaborative program with a lab from Technical University of Berlin were used as cathode in preliminary studies undertaken on solid alkaline fuel cell (SAFC).