There is huge academic interest and clinical need associated with the development of biomarker immunoassays where general aims are the generation of highly specific, convenient and sensitive sensing formats. In this project, a powerful electrochemical technique, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), is applied in the establishment of powerful biomarker detecting protocols. Firstly, ultrasensitive, label-free and reusable insulin sensors, based on an antibody-PEGylated thiol self-assembly monolayer (PEG thiol SAM) interface, were produced and characterised via Faradaic EIS, presenting a detection limit (LOD) of 1.2 pM, a linear range across four orders of magnitude, and high sensitivity in even 50 % serum. By applying similar surface chemistry, a label-free biosensor, specific for the detection of α-synuclein antibodies, was fabricated. The α-synuclein interfaces used enabled the reliable detecting of this biomarker in patient sample serum. The concentration levels in the control and a patient group were determined to be significantly different, and, significantly, this difference was consistently across two different cohorts. Strikingly, this could potentially underpin an entirely new means of early Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis. Non-Faradaic EIS methods were additionally applied to label-free insulin assays at both PEG thiol SAM and zwitterionic polymer film interfaces. The latter presented not only an exceptionally non-fouling interface, but also one seemingly both highly biocompatible and facilitating enhanced receptor: target binding. Finally, impedance assays, though potent, generally, operate by sampling only one of a limited number of available experimental variables, typically, Rct for Faradaic EIS, or C or Z for non-Faradaic EIS. Work carried out herein also explores the generation and utility of a portfolio of mathematically derived immittance functions all obtained from the same raw data sets. A particular focus was the examination of whether these were capable of increasing assay sensitivity and efficiency above normal impedance treatments.

Micro- and nano-electrodes have distinct advantages over large electrodes, including their decreased iR drop and enhanced mass transport due to radial diffusion characteristics which leads to the ready establishment of a steady state (or near steady-state) signal without convection. This enhanced mass transport also leads to increased current densities and signal to noise ratios. However, there is a need for fabrication techniques which reproducibly give micro- and nano-electrodes of controlled size and shape. The optimisation of systematic arrays on the nano-scale, open up possibilities for developing highly sensitive electrode devices, for use in physical chemistry and the determination of fast electrode kinetics and rates of reaction, as well as to provide highly sensitive electroanalytical devices, able to detect very low concentrations of substrates. This thesis first presents work involving the fabrication and characterisation on silicon substrates of square platinum microelectrodes. There is already an established theory for the behaviour of microdisc electrodes however, it is easier to make microsquares reproducibly using pixellated photomasks. The voltammetric and ac impedance characteristics of these electrodes in background electrolyte and in the presence of ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple are presented and the response is theoretically analysed. A combination of computer simulation, theory and experimentation show that these electrodes have increased current densities (14% greater) compared with a microdisc of equivalent radius and an alternative theoretical expression is presented to calculate the limiting current of microsquares at all dimensions. This thesis then discusses the development and optimisation of novel nano-band cavity array electrodes (CaviArE), using standard photo-microlithographic techniques. The resulting architecture encloses a Platinum nanoband of 50 nm width within each array element that is positioned half way up the vertical edges of shallow square cavities (depressions), with a total depth of 1050 nm. The width of the square cavity and the separation of the array elements can be controlled and systematically altered, with great accuracy. The CaviArE devices are shown to give quantitative pseudo-steady-state responses characteristic of multiple nanobands, whilst passing overall currents consistent with a macroelectrode. The array has a much enhanced signal-tonoise ratio compared with an equivalent microsquare array, as it has 0.167% of the area and is therefore markedly less affected by non-Faradaic currents, while it passes comparable Faradaic currents. At high sweep rates the response is also virtually unaffected by solution stirring. The impedammetric characteristics presented show different diffusional regimes at high, medium and low frequencies, associated with diffusion within individual square cavities, outside of the cavity and finally across the whole array as the diffusional fields of the neighbouring array elements overlap. Justification and fitting of equivalent circuits to these frequency regions provide details about the charge transfer, capacitance and diffusional processes occurring. The results show that these systems are highly sensitive to surface transfer effects and a rate constant for ferricyanide of 1.99 cm s-1 was observed, suggesting fast kinetic processes can be detected. Together, these characteristics make nanoband electrode arrays, with this architecture, of real interest for sensitive electroanalytical applications, and development of devices for industrial application is currently being undertaken.

<p>In polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) chemical energy, in for example hydrogen, is converted by an electrochemical process into electrical energy. The PEFC has a working temperature generally below 100 °C. Under these conditions water management and transport of oxygen to the cathode are the parameters limiting the performance of the PEFC.</p><p>The purpose of this thesis was to better understand the complex processes in different parts of the PEFC. The rate-limiting processes in the cathode were studied using pure oxygen while varying oxygen pressure and humidity. Mass-transport limitations in the gas diffusion layer using oxygen diluted in nitrogen or helium was also studied. A large capacitive loop was seen at 1-10 Hz with 5-20 % oxygen. When nitrogen was changed to helium, which has a higher binary diffusion coefficient, the loop decreased and shifted to a higher frequency.</p><p>Steady-state and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) models have been developed that accounts for water transport in the membrane and the influence of water on the anode. Due to water drag, the membrane resistance changes with current density. This gives rise to a low frequency loop in the complex plane plot. The loop appeared at a frequency of around 0.1 Hz and varied with <em>D</em>/<em>L_m</em>², where <em>D</em> is the water diffusion coefficient and <em>L_m</em> is the membrane thickness. The EIS model for the hydrogen electrode gave three to four semicircles in the complex plane plot when taking the influence of water concentration on the anode conductivity and kinetics into account. The high-frequency semicircle is attributed to the Volmer reaction, the medium-frequency semicircle to the pseudocapacitance resulting from the adsorbed hydrogen, and the low-frequency semicircles to variations in electrode performance with water concentration. These low-frequency semicircles appear in a frequency range overlapping with the low-frequency semicircles from the water transport in the membrane. The effects of current density and membrane thickness were studied experimentally. An expected shift in frequency, when varying the membrane thickness was seen. This shift confirms the theory that the low-frequency loop is connected to the water transport in the membrane.</p>

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to develop a novel methodology for studying ionic interaction with lipids arranged in a lipid cubic phase (LCP). Studying different types of ions, both cations and anions, validated the method. A free-standing LCP membrane was formed between two cell compartments and impedance experiments were carried out in a 2-electrode setup to estimate dielectric properties of the membrane, exposed to the following electrolyte solutions at different concentrations: KCl, CsBr, CaCl2, MgCl2, CsCl, NaCl, NaOAc and NaTryptophan. Two different LCP were used in this setup, i.e: Monoloein/water and the ternary system of monoolein/dioleoylphosphatidylcholine/water (MO/DOPC/H2O). SAXRD measurements were performed to determine the space group of the cubic phase and confirm the stability of the LCP during measurements. Membrane resistances and capacitances were found from equivalent circuit fitting to the impedance data. The membrane resistance was shown to be related to ionic interaction with the lipid head group in the water channels of the LCP. Membrane capacitance were correlating to condensing and swelling effect of LCP due to the exposure of ions. The results correlated well with the SAXRD results and earlier published data. The results also indicate that these membranes become less permeable to ions as they increase in size as well as in charge or polarity.  Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the applications of a LCP for modification of the bioanode in a biofuel cell. The monoolein cubic phase was used to host Glucose oxidase (GOx) and a freely diffusing ferrocene carboxylate was used as mediator. The supported cubic phase had an intrinsic resistance in the same order of magnitude as the freestanding MO-LCP membrane as measured with EIS. / Elektrokemisk impedans spektroskopi har använts för att utveckla en ny metod för att studera joners växelverkan med lipider som bildat en kubisk fas. Olika typer av joner, både positiva och negativa, användes för att validera metoden. Ett fristående membran uppbyggt av en kubisk fas separerade två avdelningar i en elektrokemisk cell. Cellen fylldes med elektrolyt-lösningar och impedansmätningar kunde utföras mellan två platina elektroder placerade i vardera avdelning. Membranet exponerades för följande elektrolytlösningar av olika koncentration: KCl, CsBr, CaCl2, MgCl2, CsCl, NaCl, NaOAc and NaTryptofan. Två olika kubiska faser användes i denna uppställning, dvs: Monoloein/vatten och det ternära systemet monoolein/dioleoylfosfatidylkolin/vatten(MO/DOPC/H2O). Med hjälp av SAXRD kunde den kubiska fasens kristallstruktur bestämmas och dess stabilitet under mätningarna bekräftas. De dielektriska egenskaperna hos membranet bestämdes genom att anpassa impedansspektrat till en ekvivalent krets bestående av resistanser, kapacitanser och konstant-faselement. Membranresistansen visade sig vara relaterad till jonernas växelverkan med lipidhuvudgruppen i vattenkanalerna i kubiska fasen. Ju starkare växelverkan desto högre var resistansen. Membrankapacitansen kunde korreleras med kondenserande och uppsvällande effekter på kubiska fasen förorsakade av exponeringen till joner. Resultaten bekräftades av SAXRD mätningar och även tidigare publicerade data. Resultaten indikerar också tydligt att permeabiliteten hos membranet minskar med ökad jonstorlek, jonladdningoch polaritet hos jonen. Cyklisk voltammetri användes för att studera en tillämpning av kubiska fasen i en tänkt applikation som bioanod i en biobränslecell. Elektroden modifierades med en kubisk fas innehållande GOx och tillsammans med en fritt diffunderande ferrocen karboxylat som mediator, där oxidation av glukos studeras. Det visade sig att den kubiska fasen hade en resistans av samma storleksordning som det fristående membranet uppmätt med impedansspektroskopi.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar por meio de técnicas eletroquímicas e físicoquímicas o comportamento das camadas de silano aplicadas diretamente sobre as chapas de aço-carbono ABNT 1008 pela técnica de imersão, como uma proteção contra a corrosão. O estudo compreendeu a avaliação do comportamento das monocamadas de BTSE [Bis-1,2-(trietoxisilil)etano], VS (Viniltrietoxisilano) e BTSPA [Bis-(y-trimetoxisililpropil)amina], variando as condições de cura (tempo e temperatura) e também da dupla camada de silano. A dupla camada consistiu na combinação de BTSE como primeira camada e uma segunda camada de VS ou BTSPA. A espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) em solução de NaCl 0,1 M possibilitou detectarem a resistência à corrosão das camadas de silano, revelando que a sua eficiência aumenta com o aumento da temperatura e do tempo de cura e também que uma dupla camada apresenta um efeito protetor mais eficiente que o das monocamadas. Assim, a dupla camada de BTSE + BTSPA forneceu o melhor resultado, comprovando que confere melhor proteção ao aço-carbono. Com a medida ângulo de contato foi possível caracterizar a hidrofobicidade da superfície metálica revestida com o filme de silano, constatando-se que as camadas de BTSE, VS e BTSPA, e as duplas camadas curadas em altas temperaturas são mais hidrofóbicas que o aço-carbono. As curvas de polarização confirmaram os resultados obtidos por EIS, mostrando que a densidade de corrente de corrosão (icorr) diminui com o tempo e a temperatura de cura. A espectroscopia no infravermelho (IR) permitiu acompanhar a extensão da reação de polimerização dos silanos. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e as análises por espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de Raios-X (EDX) evidenciaram o efeito da cura na morfologia e topografia da superfície. Logo, conclui-se que os filmes à base de silanos como pré-tratamentos de aço são eficientes contra a corrosão. / The aim of this work is to characterize by means of electrochemical and physicochemical techniques the behavior of the silane layers applied directly on steel plates as a protection against corrosion. The silane film was obtained by the dip coat technique. This study present the evaluation of the behavior of monolayers of BTSE [Bis-1,2- (triethoxysilyl)ethane, BTSPA [Bis-(y-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amino] and VS (Vinyltriethoxysilane), varying the curing conditions (time and temperature) and also with a double silane layer, consisting of a combination of BTSE as first layer and a VS or BTSPA second layer. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a NaCl 0.1 M solution allowed the corrosion resistance assessment of the silane layers, showing that their protection efficiency increase for higher curing temperatures and curing times. Double layers were always more protective than monolayers. The contact angle measurements allowed to characterize the hydrophobicity of the metallic surface coated with the silane film, showing that the layers of BTSE, VS and BTSPA cured at higher temperatures are more hydrophobic and, therefore, more protective. The polarization curves confirmed the results obtained by EIS, showing that the corrosion current densities (icorr) decreased when the curing time and temperature were increased. The infrared spectroscopy (IR) showed the extension of the polymerization reaction of the silane layers. The SEM images and the EDX analyses evidenced the effect of the cure on the morphology and topography of the surface. Thus, the results lead to conclude that silane based films are good alternatives as pre-treatments for steel against corrosion.

Na presente tese foi investigado o desempenho de camadas de organo-silanos sobre chapas de aço-carbono, similares às utilizadas na fabricação de veículos da indústria automobilística. As técnicas utilizadas neste estudo compreenderam a Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica (EIE) e a Resistência de Polarização Linear, por meio das quais foram determinadas respectivamente, as propriedades resistivas dos filmes e a redução das velocidades de corrosão do substrato. O estudo compreendeu a avaliação de diversos organo-silanos funcionais e não-funcionais, submetidos a diferentes condições experimentais. Os ensaios preliminares tiveram por finalidade selecionar aqueles com melhor desempenho como sistemas de proteção em monocamadas. A partir desta seleção e,, informações da literatura, novos ensaios foram conduzidos por meio de um Projeto Fatorial de Experimentos, combinando os silanos funcionais com melhor desempenho com outro silano não-funcional, designado como 1,2-bis(trietoxilsilil)etano (BTSE). Esta combinação teve por finalidade produzir camadas duplas de silanos para proteger o aço-carbono. As variáveis independentes estudadas foram a combinação entre as camadas de BTSE e do silano funcional, além das condições de hidrólise, temperatura e tempo de cura destes filmes. As variáveis dependentes ou resposta utilizadas foram: a impedância real a 0,03 Hz, obtida no ensaio de EIE, e a densidade de corrente de corrosão, originada das medidas de Resistência de Polarização Linear. Dentre as várias alternativas testadas, os melhores resultados foram apresentados pela combinação de camadas de BTSE com bis-(g-trimetoxisililpropil)amina (BTSPA) e BTSE com VS (viniltrietoxisilano) onde a primeira combinação determinou uma redução da ordem de 95% na velocidade de corrosão em relação a uma chapa sem tratamento e uma perda de espessura da ordem de 70% menor que um corpo-deprova revestido apenas com uma camada convencional de fosfatização. O BTSPA já na seleção inicial havia demonstrado excelentes resultados de proteção apenas como película monocamada, tendo seu desempenho melhorado consideravelmente em conjunto como o BTSE. Na segunda combinação, a velocidade de corrosão foi 90% menor do que num corpo-de-prova desprotegido e até 40% menor do que num corpo-de-prova revestido com uma camada de fosfato. / The aim of this thesis was the investigation performance of organo-silane layers on mild steel, similar to that used in car bodies in automotive assembly plants. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the polarization resistance (Rp) were used as tools to evaluate the resistive layers properties and the substrate corrosion rate, respectively. Several non-functional and functional silanes were evaluated under different experimental conditions. Preliminary testing was conducted in order to select the silane with best performance as monolayer protection. Based on this preliminary performance results and supplementary information from papers, new tests were conducted using a design of experiments (DOE), combining the best functional monolayers silanes with the non-functional silane 1,2- bis(triethoxylsilyl)ethane (BTSE). This combination had the intention to produce double-layers silane films to protect the mild steel. The independent variables tested in DOE were: combination between the BTSE and the functional silane layers, hydrolysis parameters, temperature and the time film curing. The real impedance values at 0,03 Hz, obtained in the EIE tests, and the polarization resistance were taken as response (dependent) variables to evaluate the design. Among the different alternatives, the best results were presented by combining the BTSE layer with the BTSPA (bis-(g trimetoxysilylpropyl)amine layer and BTSE layer with VS (vinyl triethoxy silane) layer. The first silanes combination had shown a 95% decrease in corrosion rate when compared to a non-treated sheet and a thickness loss 70% lower than on a specimen coated with ordinary phosphate layer. Already in the initial selection the BTSPA did show excellent protection results just as monolayer film, and its performance increased significantly when applied together with BTSE. The second silanes combination, had presented a 90% decrease in corrosion rate when compared to a non-treated sheet and a thickness loss 40% lower than a specimen coated with ordinary phosphate layer.

O presente trabalho estudou comparativamente, do ponto de vista fundamental, a reação de eletro-oxidação de monóxido de carbono (CO) em meio ácido, sobre Pt75Sn25/C, Pt65Ru35/C e Pt/C através da Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica. Os materiais foram preparados por redução com ácido fórmico e caracterizados fisicamente por EDX e DRX de alta intensidade e eletroquimicamente por voltametria. Previamente aos estudos de Impedância, foram realizados estudos potenciodinâmicos da reação de eletro-oxidação de CO adsorvido (?Stripping de CO?) e a oxidação de CO em uma solução saturada de CO. Para os materiais Pt65Ru35/C e Pt/C, estes estudos mostraram que há um deslocamento de potencial do inicio da oxidação para valores mais positivos quando CO está presente em solução se comparado a oxidação (stripping) de CO, devido a competição de sítios de adsorção entre moléculas de CO e H2O, responsáveis pela reação. Por outro lado, no material bimetálico Pt75Sn25/C a presença de CO em solução não influenciou de maneira significativa o potencial de inicio da oxidação, confirmando a ausência de adsorção competitiva neste material. A curva de polarização em estado estacionário revelou que, dentre os 3 materiais estudados, o material bimetálico Pt75Sn25/C apresentou a maior atividade eletrocatalítica, isto é, maiores densidades de correntes em menores sobrepotenciais. Este comportamento foi, em grande parte, esclarecido através dos experimentos de Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica. Com a Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica foi verificada a formação de espécies oxigenadas em Pt/C e em Pt65Ru35/C no intervalo de freqüências estudado, enquanto que em Pt75Sn25/C os diagramas de impedância revelaram um comportamento predominantemente capacitivo, indicando a ausência de reações de transferência de carga devido à oxidação da H2O para formar hidróxidos/óxidos na superfície do material. Também foi demonstrado que os processos relacionados a reação entre COads e espécies oxigenadas superficiais são mais rápidos em Pt75Sn25/C do que em Pt/C e Pt65Ru35/C, como ficou evidente no diagrama de Bode do ângulo de fase em função da freqüência. Mais especificamente, a menor resistência de transferência de carga para a reação em Pt75Sn25/C aparece em freqüências mais altas provavelmente devido à reação ocorrer com espécies oxigenadas já presentes na fase SnO2 presente no material. Por outro lado, os processos de adsorção são mais rápidos devido a menor energia de adsorção de CO sobre Pt, de acordo com os resultados encontrados por cálculos teóricos de DFT. / In this work, kinetic aspects of CO electro-oxidation on Pt/C, Pt75Sn25/C and Pt65Ru35/C prepared by chemical reduction with formic acid were studied by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The bulk composition of the asprepared PtSn/C and PtRu/C bimetallic materials, analyzed by EDX, was 77:23 and 64:36, respectively. Using high intensity XDR measurements the bulk structure and phase determinations could be established. The analysis of the XRD profiles of Pt75Sn25/C revealed partial alloy formation and the presence of a SnO2 phase. For Pt65Ru35/C, no alloy formation was verified. Potentiodynamic oxidation of CO in a CO-saturated solution compared with CO stripping voltammetry pointed out the presence of competitive adsorption between CO and oxygen containing species on the surface of Pt/C and Pt65Ru35/C while for Pt75Sn25/C no competition for surface sites was verified. Impedance measurements were conducted in two different conditions: i) in the absence of CO in solution and ii) in a CO saturated solution. Provided by an equivalent circuit the charge transfer resistance (Rct), was obtained for the studied materials. The mean double layer capacitance (Cdl) was also estimated from circuit parameters and revealed its dependence on the carbon monoxide surface coverage (_CO). Furthermore, the relation between the _CO and the charge transfer resistance for the reaction is discussed. Using EIS it was demonstrated that the Rct for the carbon monoxide electro-oxidation reaction on Pt75Sn25/C is much lower than on Pt/C and Pt65Ru35/C, which was related to the presence of oxygen-containing species already present in the SnO2 phase as well as to the faster adsorption processes on this material compared to Pt/C and Pt65Ru35/C.

The introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing about 3 decades ago led to the possibility of early detection of prostate cancer (PCa). Although PSA testing reduced the mortality rate, it is also associated with high risk of over diagnosis in patients with and without PCa. Despite the current drawbacks, it would be a challenge to replace PSA testing entirely. Instead, there is a need to develop parallel testing of other potential biomarkers that can complement the results from PSA tests. To address alternative biomarker sensing, this thesis highlights on the development of oligonucleotide-based biosensors for the detection of different biomarkers of PCa. Using PSA as a gold standard, the first study of this dissertation investigates the use of DNA aptamers to detect PSA using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The study compares 6-mercapto 1-hexanol chemistry with sulfo-betaine chemistry for the development of PSA aptasensor in terms of performance and selectivity. The second study focuses on glycoprofiling in order to complement PSA quantification as an additional information for reliable PCa diagnosis. This strategy was developed in a microfluidic channel with an optical read out using chemiluminescence. This study addresses one of the major problems of cross-reactivity with lectins in glycoprofiling, which can be solved using DNA aptamers. A third study concentrates on the development of an aptasensor for Alpha-Methylacyl-CoA Racemase (AMACR). AMACR has been reported for its high specificity and sensitivity to PCa. For the fabrication of the biosensor, a new strategy using polyethylene glycol was developed by electrochemical grafting it to a polypyrrole film. Since PCa diagnosis can be improved by looking at different biomarkers, an electrochemical platform for miRNA/DNA detection using a gold nanoparticle amplification strategy was also investigated. The sensor was fabricated using peptide nucleic acids (PNA) probes on gold electrodes. The study presents non-Faradaic EIS and amperometric techniques in order to exploit the inherent charges of nucleic acids. In conclusion, this thesis wants to serve as a potential orientation for overcoming the shortcomings of the current PCa testing and contribute towards the development of oligonucleotide-based biosensors for PCa biomarker detection and hopefully enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar por meio de técnicas eletroquímicas e físicoquímicas o comportamento das camadas de silano aplicadas diretamente sobre as chapas de aço-carbono ABNT 1008 pela técnica de imersão, como uma proteção contra a corrosão. O estudo compreendeu a avaliação do comportamento das monocamadas de BTSE [Bis-1,2-(trietoxisilil)etano], VS (Viniltrietoxisilano) e BTSPA [Bis-(y-trimetoxisililpropil)amina], variando as condições de cura (tempo e temperatura) e também da dupla camada de silano. A dupla camada consistiu na combinação de BTSE como primeira camada e uma segunda camada de VS ou BTSPA. A espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) em solução de NaCl 0,1 M possibilitou detectarem a resistência à corrosão das camadas de silano, revelando que a sua eficiência aumenta com o aumento da temperatura e do tempo de cura e também que uma dupla camada apresenta um efeito protetor mais eficiente que o das monocamadas. Assim, a dupla camada de BTSE + BTSPA forneceu o melhor resultado, comprovando que confere melhor proteção ao aço-carbono. Com a medida ângulo de contato foi possível caracterizar a hidrofobicidade da superfície metálica revestida com o filme de silano, constatando-se que as camadas de BTSE, VS e BTSPA, e as duplas camadas curadas em altas temperaturas são mais hidrofóbicas que o aço-carbono. As curvas de polarização confirmaram os resultados obtidos por EIS, mostrando que a densidade de corrente de corrosão (icorr) diminui com o tempo e a temperatura de cura. A espectroscopia no infravermelho (IR) permitiu acompanhar a extensão da reação de polimerização dos silanos. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e as análises por espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de Raios-X (EDX) evidenciaram o efeito da cura na morfologia e topografia da superfície. Logo, conclui-se que os filmes à base de silanos como pré-tratamentos de aço são eficientes contra a corrosão. / The aim of this work is to characterize by means of electrochemical and physicochemical techniques the behavior of the silane layers applied directly on steel plates as a protection against corrosion. The silane film was obtained by the dip coat technique. This study present the evaluation of the behavior of monolayers of BTSE [Bis-1,2- (triethoxysilyl)ethane, BTSPA [Bis-(y-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amino] and VS (Vinyltriethoxysilane), varying the curing conditions (time and temperature) and also with a double silane layer, consisting of a combination of BTSE as first layer and a VS or BTSPA second layer. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a NaCl 0.1 M solution allowed the corrosion resistance assessment of the silane layers, showing that their protection efficiency increase for higher curing temperatures and curing times. Double layers were always more protective than monolayers. The contact angle measurements allowed to characterize the hydrophobicity of the metallic surface coated with the silane film, showing that the layers of BTSE, VS and BTSPA cured at higher temperatures are more hydrophobic and, therefore, more protective. The polarization curves confirmed the results obtained by EIS, showing that the corrosion current densities (icorr) decreased when the curing time and temperature were increased. The infrared spectroscopy (IR) showed the extension of the polymerization reaction of the silane layers. The SEM images and the EDX analyses evidenced the effect of the cure on the morphology and topography of the surface. Thus, the results lead to conclude that silane based films are good alternatives as pre-treatments for steel against corrosion.

Atualmente a maior parte da energia consumida no mundo provém de fontes como carvão, petróleo e gás natural. Nas últimas décadas, o aumento na demanda por petróleo e gás natural teve como resultado um grande aumento no uso de tubos de aço para transportar estes produtos por longas distâncias. Os aços de alta resistência e baixa liga (ARBL) produzidos de acordo com a norma API 5L são atrativos para estas aplicações por apresentarem boas propriedades mecânicas e soldabilidade aliadas a baixos custos. Entretanto, nestas aplicações os materiais são expostos a meios corrosivos com altos teores de H2S, tornando-os susceptíveis aos danos provocados pelo hidrogênio. Dentre estes um dos mais importantes é o trincamento induzido pelo hidrogênio (hydrogen induced cracking - HIC). Neste trabalho a resistência à corrosão e ao HIC de dois aços API 5L X65, cujas composições diferem principalmente com relação aos teores de Mn e de Nb, e de um aço API 5L X80 comercial foi investigada na solução A da norma NACE TM0284-2011. A avaliação da resistência à corrosão foi realizada em solução naturalmente aerada ou desaerada sem e com saturação com H2S por meio de ensaios de potencial de circuito aberto, curvas de polarização potenciodinâmica e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica. Análises microestruturais por microscopia óptica (MO) e eletrônica de varredura (MEV) foram realizadas para correlacionar a microestrutura com os dois parâmetros investigados. As análises por MO e MEV mostraram que os dois aços API 5L X65 possuem inclusões uniformemente distribuídas em uma matriz ferrítica com ilhas de perlita degenerada e microconstituintes M/A (martensita/ austenita) nos contornos de grão da ferrita. Por sua vez, o aço API 5L X80 apresentou matriz ferrítica com microconstituintes M/A, e inclusões de formas arredondadas e irregulares em maior número e distribuídas de forma irregular. Os resultados dos ensaios eletroquímicos mostraram que, para os três aços, a resistência à corrosão diminui sensivelmente na presença de H2S. Por outro lado, os ensaios de impedância evidenciaram aumento da resistência à corrosão com o tempo de imersão em todos os meios, provavelmente associado à formação de produtos de corrosão insolúveis e que precipitam sobre a superfície dos aços. Todos os ensaios mostraram que os dois aços API 5L X65 são mais resistentes à corrosão que o aço API 5L X80. Os ensaios de HIC mostraram que os dois aços API 5L X65 não são suscetíveis a este tipo de falha, contrariamente ao aço API 5L X80. Neste último houve formação de trincas da parte central e inferior (interna) da amostra fornecida em forma de tubo. A análise do caminho de propagação da trinca mostrou a presença de inclusões ricas em Mn e S, indicando que elas têm um papel relevante no mecanismo de trincamento. Os resultados de todos os ensaios de corrosão mostraram que o aço experimental API 5L X65 produzido pela CBMM com baixos teores de Mn e altos teores de Nb apresentou resistência à corrosão ligeiramente superior ao aço API 5L X65 comercial, indicando ser esta composição promissora para aplicações em meios sour. / Currently most of the energy consumed in the world comes from sources such as coal, oil and natural gas. In recent decades the increase in demand for oil and natural gas has resulted in a large increase in the use of steel tubes to transport these products over long distances. High strength low alloy (HSLA) steels produced according to the API 5L standard are attractive for these applications because they have good mechanical properties and weldability combined with low costs. However, in these applications the materials are exposed to corrosive media with high levels of H2S, making them susceptible to damage caused by hydrogen. Among them, one of the most important is hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC). In this work the resistance to corrosion and HIC of two API 5L X65 steels, whose compositions differ mainly with respect to their Mn and Nb contents, and a commercial API 5L X80 steel were investigated in solution A of the NACE standard TM0284-2011. The evaluation of the corrosion resistance was carried out in naturally aerated or in deaerated solution without and with saturation with H2S by means of open circuit potential tests, potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Microstructural analysis by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to correlate the microstructure with the two investigated parameters. OM and SEM analyzes showed that the two API 5L X65 steels have inclusions evenly distributed in a ferritic matrix with degenerated perlite islands and M/A (martensite/austenite) microconstituents at the perlite grain boundaries. In turn, the API 5L X80 steel presented a ferritic matrix with M/A microconstituents and round-shaped and irregular-shaped inclusions in greater number and irregularly distributed. The results of the electrochemical tests showed that, for all three steels, the corrosion resistance decreases significantly in the presence of H2S. On the other hand, the EIS tests showed an increase in corrosion resistance with immersion time in all media, which is probably due to the formation of insoluble corrosion products that precipitate on the steels surfaces. All assays showed that the two API 5L X65 steels are more resistant to corrosion than the API 5L X80 steel. The HIC assays showed that the two API 5L X65 steels are not susceptible to this type of failure, unlike the API 5L X80 steel. In the latter there was cracks formation in the central and lower (inner) part of the sample supplied as a tube. The analysis of the crack propagation path showed the presence of Mn and S-rich inclusions, indicating that they play a key role in the cracking mechanism. The results of all corrosion tests showed that the experimental steel API 5L X65 produced by CBMM with low Mn contents and high levels of Nb exhibited slightly higher corrosion resistance than the API 5L X65 commercial steel, indicating that this composition is promising for sour media applications.