This study involved a comparative investigation of chloride-induced corrosion detection techniques on loaded reinforced concrete slabs which were exposed to deicing salts and wetting-drying cycles to simulate typical aggressive environments in cold climates. The studied techniques involved linear polarization technique, galvanostatic pulse technique, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, half-cell potential and concrete electrical resistivity mapping. The results showed that concrete quality and moisture content have a direct effect on corrosion activity, and these properties are represented well with concrete electrical resistivity. The galvanostatic pulse technique was shown to correlate well with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which was used as a benchmark for corrosion rate measurements in this study; however, the galvanostatic pulse technique was not capable of detecting corrosion activity in saturated concrete accurately. The results of this research do not support the criteria provided by the ASTM C876-09 standard for using half-cell potentials to estimate the probability of reinforcing steel corrosion in reinforced concrete structures.

Les aciers inoxydables martensitiques sont utilisés dans l'industrie aéronautique où de hautes propriétés mécaniques sont requises. Cependant, dû à leur faible teneur en chrome, ils sont relativement sensibles à la corrosion localisée et particulièrement à la corrosion caverneuse qui se développe en milieu confiné. Tout d'abord, le comportement électrochimique de l'acier inoxydable martensitique X12CrNiMoV12-3 a été étudié dans une solution neutre et chlorurée (NaCl 0,1 M + Na2SO4 0,04 M) en plein bain. Des mesures électrochimiques (courbes de polarisation et mesures d'impédance) couplées à des analyses de surface par XPS ont permis de caractériser les films passifs formés pour différentes conditions. Les résultats obtenus ont permis de montrer le rôle important joué par l'oxygène dissous sur la formation et/ou la modification du film passif pendant l'immersion dans l'électrolyte. Les diagrammes d'impédance obtenus au potentiel de corrosion et en milieu aéré sont caractérisés par deux constantes de temps qui ont été attribuées au film passif (hautes fréquences) et au transfert de charges (basses fréquences). L'analyse de la partie hautes fréquences des diagrammes d'impédance électrochimique à l'aide du modèle en loi de puissance a permis de montrer de faibles variations de l'épaisseur des films pendant l'immersion. Des mesures électrochimiques ont ensuite été réalisées à l'aide du montage de la cellule à couche mince qui permet de travailler avec des épaisseurs d'électrolyte rigoureusement contrôlées. Les essais réalisés ont montré l'aptitude à la repassivation de l'acier inoxydable martensitique dès qu'il est en contact avec l'oxygène dissous en particulier pour des faibles épaisseurs d'électrolyte (inférieur à 100 µm). Lorsque le milieu est confiné entre deux parois en acier afin de reproduire une situation de corrosion caverneuse, il a été montré la corrosion est fortement accélérée lorsque l'épaisseur d'électrolyte est faible (inférieur à 500 µm). / Martensitic stainless steels are mainly used for applications where high mechanical performance is required. However, due to the low chromium content, they are relatively sensitive to localised corrosion, and particularly, to crevice corrosion encountered in confined environments. First, the electrochemical behavior of X12CrNiMoV12-3 martensitic stainless steel has been studied in a bulk neutral chloride solution (0.1 M NaCl + 0.04 M Na2SO4). Electrochemical measurements (polarisation curves and impedance measures) and XPS surface analysis were performed in order to characterise the passive films formed under different experimental conditions. The results showed the important role of dissolved oxygen to form and/or modify the passive film during immersion in electrolyte. The impedance diagrams are characterised by two time constants wich are attributed to passive film response (high frequency range) and to charge transfert resistance (low frequency range). The analyse of the high frequencies part of the diagrams by using the "power law model" showed low evolution of passive films thickness during immersion. Then, electrochemical measurements were perfomed in confined environments by using a thin layer cell where the electrolyte thickness were rigourosly adjusted. The measurements showed that the martensitic stainless steel is in passive state even for low electrolyte thickness (inferior in 100 µm). When the electrolyte is confined between two stainless electrodes in order to reproduce the same conditions find during crevice corrosion, the corrosion is sharply accelerated when the electrolyte thickness is above 500 µm

Un outil de diagnostic in situ pour l'étude des électrolyseurs à oxyde solide, fondé sur la spectroscopie d'impédance électrochimique, a été mis en place à travers une analyse systématique de l'influence de plusieurs paramètres (densité de courant, température, composition et débit des gaz) sur les performances et le comportement d'une monocellule commerciale dans une configuration à 2 électrodes. Les principaux phénomènes régissant le fonctionnement de la cellule ont été identifiés. Une analyse de son comportement après apparition et évolution dans le temps d'une dégradation prématurée, suite à une modification sur le banc d'essai, a été réalisée. Un mécanisme expliquant l'origine et les conséquences de cette dégradation prématurée a été proposé. Une étude sur l'influence de l'épaisseur d'une des deux électrodes de la cellule a par ailleurs permis de distinguer deux des phénomènes principaux liés à la diffusion de H2O à l'électrode Ni-YSZ. Enfin, l'étude du comportement de la cellule après dégradation par conduction électronique de l'électrolyte YSZ a mis en évidence la formation de porosités entrainant notamment des délaminations à l'interface YSZ/YDC. Un état de dégradation plus avancé que pour les tests précédents a été observé pour les couches YDC et Ni-YSZ. Ce phénomène se manifeste par un déplacement en fréquence de l'ensemble du diagramme d'impédance mesuré vers les plus basses fréquences, formant une boucle négative. Rp finit par disparaitre, le courant circulant alors majoritairement via la conduction électronique de l'électrolyte YSZ. / An in situ diagnosis tool, based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, for the study of solid oxide electrolyzer cells was established through the analysis of the influence of several parameters (current density, temperature, gas composition and gas flow rate) on the performances and the behavior of a commercial single cell studied in a two-electrode configuration. The main phenomena governing the cell were identified. An analysis of its behavior after appearance and evolution with time of a premature degradation was carried out. A mechanism explaining the origin and the consequences of such degradation was suggested. Furthermore, studying the influence of the cathode thickness allowed distinguishing two of the main phenomena associated to H2O diffusion at the Ni-YSZ electrode. In addition, a study of the cell behavior after degradation by electronic conduction of the YSZ electrolyte showed formation of numerous porosities leading to delaminations at the YSZ/YDC interface. This phenomenon was characterized by a shift of the overall impedance diagram to the lowest frequencies, with appearance of a negative loop which finally leads to the disappearance of Rp as the current circulates mostly via electronic conduction of the YSZ electrolyte.

L'énergie produite par des matières fossiles, pétrole et charbon, va se raréfier de manière inéluctable et couter de plus en plus cher à moyen terme. Pour pallier à la fin des matières fossiles, le développement d'énergies alternatives est indispensable. Parmi celles-ci, la production d'électricité et de chaleur à partir d'hydrogène commence à se développer grâce aux piles à combustible (PAC) depuis les très faibles puissances (des microwatts pour alimenter les capteurs) jusqu'aux fortes puissances (des Mégawatts pour l'industrie) en passant par des puissances moyennes (des kilowatts pour le résidentiel). Une PAC est constituée de 3 éléments : 2 électrodes (anode et cathode) séparées par un électrolyte. Dans cette thèse, ces 3 éléments sont constitués d'oxydes solides et la pile est appelée SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell). Les piles SOFC actuellement commercialisées fonctionnent à de très hautes températures, typiquement supérieures à 800°C. L'objectif du travail a été d'élaborer des oxydes pour diminuer cette température vers 600°C ce qui permet d'utiliser de l'acier pour contenir ces piles. Pour que la pile SOFC fonctionne à cette température, il est impératif de diminuer la résistance électrique des 2 électrodes et de l'électrolyte de manière à récupérer une tension électrique continue maximale aux bornes de la pile et aussi à faire passer un courant électrique élevé dans celle-ci. La cathode, en contact avec l'oxygène de l'air, est l'élément le plus critique à optimiser. Nous avons choisi comme matériau de cathode un matériau déjà étudié, La₀.₆Sr₀.₄Co₀.₈Fe₀.₂O₃ (LSCF) et comme électrolyte Ce₀.₉Gd₀.₁O₂ (CGO) connu comme performant en dessous de 650 °C. Nous avons élaboré ces matériaux par une méthode de chimie douce, la méthode sol-gel Péchini, et caractérisé ceuxi-ci par diffraction de rayons X et microscopie électronique à balayage. Une part importante du travail a été la caractérisation électrique à l'aide de mesures d'impédance complexe dans une large gamme de fréquence (0,05 Hz à 2 MHz) et de température (300°C à 700 °C). Le meilleur résultat a été obtenu avec une cathode composite poreuse d'épaisseur 40 µm constituée à masses égales de LSCF et de CGO déposée par sérigraphie sur une céramique dense de CGO d'épaisseur 1,5 mm. De plus, un film mince dense de LSCF d'épaisseur 0,1 µm environ a été déposé par centrifugation pour améliorer l'interface entre la cathode et l'électrolyte. À 600 °C la résistance de cette cathode a été mesurée à 0,13 Ω pour 1 cm² de cathode : cette valeur est à l'état de l'art. Une étude du vieillissement de cette cathode et de l'électrolyte a été effectuée à 600 °C pendant 1000 h en continu sous air : cela s'est traduit par une augmentation de la résistance de la cathode de 32%. Ceci peut être lié à la différence de valeurs des coefficients d'expansion thermique des matériaux de cathode et d'électrolyte. / Energy made from fossil fuels, oil or coal, is becoming increasingly rare and its price will increase in the near future. Developing alternative energy sources could compensate the use of fossil fuel. Particularly, an alternative form of energy is being developed through fuel cells, through the production of electricity and heat from hydrogen. Fuel cells can provide low wattage (microwatts for sensor applications), medium wattage (kilowatts for residential applications) and high wattage (megawatts for the industry). A fuel cell consists of 3 components : 2 electrodes (anode and cathode) separated by an electrolyte. In my work, I use solid pxide materials for these three elements in order to expand on the literature of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). Commercialized SOFCs currently operate at very high temperatures, typically above 800°C. The objective of this study was to develop oxides that could decrease the working temperature of the cell to 600°C, which would allow the use of steel to contain these fuel cells. In order to enable the SOFC to operate at this temperature, it is imperative to decrease the electrical resistances of the two electrodes and electrolyte in order to collect a continuous voltage which is maximal at the terminals of the fuel cell, and also to have a high electric current going through the fuel cell. The cathode, in contact with the oxygen present in the atmosphere, is the most critical element to be optimized. I close as a cathode material La₀.₆Sr₀.₄Co₀.₈Fe₀.₂O₃ (LSCF), which has already been studied. As electrolyte, I used Ce₀.₉Gd₀.₁O₂ (CGO) which is known to work below 650°C. I synthesized these materials through the Pechini method, a soft chemistry sol-gel method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. An important aspect of this work was the electrical characterization using complex impedance measurements in a wide frequency range (0,05 Hz to 2 MHz) and temperature (300°C to 700°C). The best result was obtained with a 40 µm thick, porous, composite cathode (LSCF/CGO 50/50 wt%) was deposited by screen printing on a 1,5 mm thick and dense CGO ceramic. In addition, a dense thin film of LSCF with a thickness of about 0,1 µm was spin-coated between the cathode and the electrolyte to improve the interface. At 600°C the measured resistance of the cathode was 0,13 Ω for 1 cm² : this value is similar to the results found in the state of the art. An aging study of the cathode and the electrolyte was carried out at 600 °C for 1000 h in air : the resistance of the cathode increased of 32%. This may be related to the different values of the thermal expansion coefficients of the cathode and electrolyte materials.

Atualmente, um dos principais problemas ligados às estruturas de concreto armado é a corrosão da armadura, especialmente devido à ação dos íons cloreto. Sua incidência no contexto das principais manifestações patológicas encontradas nas construções é bastante significativa, chegando a atingir índices de 50% em algumas regiões brasileiras. Além disso, o custo do reparo ou da reabilitação das estruturas deterioradas, em alguns casos, pode ser superior ao de uma estrutura nova. Com o objetivo de aumentar a vida útil das estruturas de concreto e diminuir o índice de ocorrência da corrosão de armaduras, esta pesquisa verifica o comportamento de concretos com adições minerais quanto à eficiência na proteção do aço contra a corrosão induzida por íons cloreto, em relação ao concreto sem adição. Para a produção dos concretos de alto desempenho (CAD), foram utilizados dois tipos de adições: a sílica de Fe-Si ou silício metálico (SFS), já comercialmente disponível, e a sílica extraída da casca de arroz (SCA), produzida em laboratório. Assim, além de proporcionar uma barreira física à entrada de agentes agressivos na camada de cobrimento, a utilização desses concretos contribui para a diminuição da poluição ambiental, uma vez que as adições estudadas são resíduos. Para tanto, foram realizados ensaios mecânicos e relacionados à durabilidade, tais como: absorção de água, resistência à penetração de cloretos, frente de penetração, teor total de cloretos e resistividade elétrica dos concretos. Na análise do processo de corrosão, duas técnicas foram empregadas: potencial de corrosão e espectroscopia por impedância eletroquímica. Em relação à microestrutura, foram realizados ensaios de porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, difratometria de raios X, termogravimetria e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados obtidos no controle da corrosão pelo ataque de íons cloreto foram favoráveis ao uso das adições em substituição ao cimento Portland, uma vez que os concretos com adições superam os resultados obtidos nos concretos sem sílica (ainda que a SFS tenha proporcionado melhor desempenho em algumas propriedades), indicando alta capacidade dos CAD em proteger o aço frente à ação de íons cloreto. Dentre os tipos de cimento utilizados, o CP V ARI RS mostrou-se mais eficiente que o CP V ARI Plus, bem como apresentou melhor sinergia com a SCA. A técnica de espectroscopia eletroquímica pode ser utilizada em CAD, porém deve-se minimizar os efeitos da alta resistividade do material, especialmente quando se utiliza a SFS. / Nowadays, one of the main problems in reinforced concrete structures is steel corrosion, especially due to the action of chloride ions. Its incidence among the main pathologies is quite significant, reaching indexes of 50% in some Brazilian areas. Besides, the cost of repair or rehabilitation of deteriorated structures, in some cases, can be higher than a new structure. To increase the service life of concrete structures and reduce the occurrence of steel corrosion, this work verifies the behavior of concretes with mineral additions in protecting the steel against the corrosion induced by chloride ions, in comparison to concretes without addition. For the production of high performance concretes (HPC), two addition types were used: silica fume (SF), already commercially available, and silica extracted from rice husk (SRH), produced in laboratory. Thus, besides providing a physical barrier to the aggressive agents in the concrete cover, the use of such concretes contribute to decrease the environmental pollution, since the additions studied are residues. Mechanical and durability tests were accomplished, such as water absorption, chloride penetration resistance, chloride penetration depth and concentration and electric resistivity of concretes. In the analysis of corrosion process, two techniques were used: open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Regarding the microstructure, tests of mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, termogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy were conducted. The results obtained in the control of steel corrosion by chloride ions were favorable to the use of the additions in substitution to the portland cement. Both concretes with additions showed better performances than the concretes without silica, indicating high capacity of HPC to protect against the steel corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. Concerning the types of cement used, CP V ARI RS showed to be more efficient than CP V ARI Plus and presented better synergy with SRH. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique can be used in HPC, however the effects of the high resistivity of the material should be minimized, especially when silica fume is used.

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No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Ana Paula Jardim Roquete - AVALIAÇÃO DAS PROPRIEDADES CAPACITIVAS DE RECOBRIMENTOS DE SOL-GEL APLICADOS SOBRE ALUMÍNIO ANODIZADO (1).pdf: 2361567 bytes, checksum: 81ac2b44fc68ae0dcd2c6e987e3b4598 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-27 / O desenvolvimento da indústria de eletrônicos junto à miniaturização dos seus dispositivos gera uma demanda de novos sistemas de armazenamento de energia, como os capacitores. Na busca por esses novos sistemas, o estudo de materiais para uso como capacitores tem papel fundamental. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo o desenvolvimento de um recobrimento com propriedades capacitivas em liga de alumínio, tendo como pré-tratamento o processo de anodização, o qual devido à rugosidade formada sobre a amostra pode auxiliar na aderência do recobrimento. Os recobrimentos foram produzidos a partir do processo sol-gel, o qual forma recobrimentos finos de forma consideravelmente simples e econômica. As amostras de alumínio, obtidas de latas de refrigerante, foram lixadas, para a retirada de seus recobrimentos interno e externo, após passaram por um tratamento superficial, por meio do processo de anodização, o qual foi realizado em três diferentes tempos (15, 20 e 30 minutos). Este tratamento superficial foi avaliado pela técnica de Polarização Potenciostática (PP), indicando as melhores condições de anodização para a deposição de sol-gel. A capacitância para este tratamento superficial foi avaliada por meio de Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica (EIE) ao longo de um período de seis dias em solução de NaCl 3% p/v em pH 2,7. Ambas as análises identificaram a anodização de 15 min como a melhor condição para a realização do tratamento. Amostras com e sem anodização foram então recobertas por oito composições diferentes de sol-gel, e a partir das avaliações de capacitância de cada recobrimento por EIE foi determinada a melhor composição para a adição de um novo óxido, o óxido de rutênio (RuO2), com o objetivo de aumentar a capacitância do recobrimento. As amostras com a última composição foram avaliadas por EIE, determinando a capacitância do recobrimento, Cronocoulometria, para identificação do comportamento quanto ao carregamento, Difração de Raios-X (DRX) e Microscopia de Força Atômica (MFA), avaliando a superfície das amostras. Obteve-se com as medidas de EIE uma menor capacitância para as amostras recobertas com o último sol-gel em relação às amostras anodizadas, porém por Cronocoulometria foi possível verificar carregamento e descarregamento da superfície, o que indicou um comportamento dielétrico do sol-gel, pois manteve a carga de carregamento após a imposição de um potencial contrário ao aplicado. As análises de DRX e MFA comprovaram a ação da anodização devido à presença de pseudo-boemita e rugosidade da amostra, e a indicação de uma região amorfa para amostras com sol-gel, as quais apresentaram superfícies mais planas. / The development of the electronics industry with the miniaturization of devices creates a demand for new energy storage systems, such as capacitors. In the search for these new systems, the study of materials for use as capacitors has a fundamental role. This work aims at the development of a coating with capacitive properties on aluminum alloy, using as pretreatment the anodizing process, which roughness formed on the sample can assist in coating adhesion. Coatings were produced from the sol-gel process, which forms thin coatings in a simple and economical way. The aluminum samples obtained from soft drinks cans were sanded for the removal of its internal and external coatings after undergone a surface treatment by means of anodizing process, which was conducted at three different times (15, 20, and 30 minutes). This surface treatment was evaluated by the technique of Pontentiostatic Polarization (PP), indicating the best conditions of anodizing process for the deposition of solgel. The capacitance for this surface treatment was assessed using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) over a period of six days in 3,0 % NaCl solution at pH 2.7. Both analyzes identified the anodizing 15 min as the best condition for the treatment. Samples with and without anodization were then coated with eight different sol-gel compositions, and from the capacitance ratings of each coating was determined by EIA the best composition for adding a new oxide, ruthenium oxide (RuO2), in order to increase the capacitance of the coating. Samples with this final composition was evaluated by EIA, determining the capacitance of the coating, chronocoulometry, to identify the behavior and loading, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) evaluating the sample surface. EIS measurements indicating a smaller capacitance for samples coated with the sol-gel in relation to the anodized samples, however chronocoulometry was verified by loading and unloading surface, which indicated a dielectric behavior of the sol-gel, cause it kept the charging load on the establishment of a potential opposite to that applied. The analysis of XRD and AFM confirmed the anodizing action due to the presence of pseudo-boehmite and roughness of the sample, and the appointment of an amorphous region for samples with sol-gel, which had more flat surfaces.

Este trabalho apresenta os estudos das principais etapas que envolvem o uso do silano bis-trietoxisililetano (BTSE) na proteção contra a corrosão de laminados de aço carbono que são: o tratamento alcalino, a hidrólise do silano e a cura dos filmes obtidos. Através da técnica de análise espectroscópica na região do infravermelho foi possível obter os espectros de absorção do silano BTSE em concentrações da ordem de 2% em solução aquo-etanólica. O acompanhamento em função do tempo, da transmitância da banda na região de 1067 cm-1, que se refere às ligações hidrolisáveis do silano BTSE (Si-OEt), possibilitou estabelecer as condições ideais de hidrólise do silano BTSE em soluções aquo-etanólica, que se dá por volta de 40 minutos em pH=4. Os estudo das reações de hidrólise do silano BTSE neste tipo de solução possibilitou verificar também que as reações de hidrólise não ocorrem em uma única etapa. Através do planejamento fatorial de experimentos e da espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) foi possível medir a impedância real (Z') dos filmes protetivos desenvolvidos sobre superfícies limpas de aço pré-tratadas com soluções alcalinas em diferentes condições. A análise estatística dos dados obtidos, através do software MINITAB13, permitiu concluir que concentrações moderadas da solução alcalina de NaOH, da ordem de 2,5% e o tempo de imersão do aço nesta solução, da ordem de 10 minutos, contribuem de maneira positiva para aumentar o grau de proteção dos filmes obtidos. Concentrações mais elevadas da solução alcalina não deram bons resultados, devido a menor proteção conferida pelo filme de passivação formado sobre a superfície do aço. Através de EIS foi possível medir também a impedância real de filmes protetivos obtidos em diferentes condições de cura. Verificou-se que o aumento da temperatura de cura exerce um efeito positivo no grau de proteção passando por um ponto ótimo ao redor de 140ºC. Foi realizado o tratamento dos dados de impedância através do software ZVIEW2 e um circuito elétrico equivalente e o respectivo modelo físico para representar o filme de BTSE sobre o aço foi proposto. / This work presents the studies of the main stages involving the use of the silane bis-1,2-(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTSE) in the protection against corrosion of rolled carbon steel (SCR), which are the steel alkaline treatment, the silane hydrolysis and the cure of the obtained films. Using the infrared spectroscopy technique it was possible to obtain the absorption spectrum of the BTSE silane in concentrations of 2% in aquo-ethanolic solutions. The monitoring of the transmittance in the region of 1067 cm-1, that refers to the hydrolysable groups of the BTSE silane (Si-OEt), made it possible to establish the ideal hydrolysis conditions of the BTSE silane in aquo-ethanolic solutions that happens for 40 minutes in pH=4. The results of the hydrolysis of the BTSE silane allowed to also to verify that the hydrolysis takes place in multiple steps. The factorial design of experiments and the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) allowed to measure the real impedance (Z') of the protective films developed on steel surface pre-treated with alkaline solutions in different conditions. The statistical analysis of the obtained data using MINITAB13 software allowed to conclude that moderate concentrations of the alkaline solution of NaOH (2,5% w/v) and 10 minutes of immersion time of the steel sample contribute in a positive way to increase the degree of protection of the obtained films. Higher concentrations of the alkaline solution did not give good results, due to minor protective characteristics of the formed film. EIS was also used to measure the real impedance of protective films obtained in different curing conditions. It was verified that higher curing temperatures exert a positive effect in the protection degree showing an optimum point around of 140ºC. The treatment of the impedance data by ZVIEW2 software and an equivalent electric circuit and the respective physical model to represent the film of BTSE on the steel were proposed.

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

This research advances the current understanding of the carbonation reaction in porous materials by investigating pH changes during the hardening process of lime, the role of pore-water in the dissolution process of calcium hydroxide and the effects of pore size on precipitation of calcium carbonate solid phases. To achieve this, carbonation is studied within a thin film of an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide, that simulates the conditions existing in porous media once most of the liquid water has evaporated. The research introduces novel approaches such as the use of specially manufactured micro-electrodes used to measure pH variations during the carbonation process. The effect of pore size on the solid phases precipitated by carbonation is investigated using a novel lime based material called nano-lime. Influence of pore-water on the hardening process of lime is studied in formulated lime using impedance spectroscopy: an electrochemical technique which is new in the study of lime based materials. Overall, results demonstrate that the micro-electrodes can operate reliably in very alkaline environments such as those produced by the dissolution of lime. Their potentiometric response, in fact, was found to be Nernstian up to pH 14. Furthermore, the electrode response proved to be sufficiently sensitive and reproducible to differentiate, on the basis of pH, between the formation of calcite and vaterite. It is likely that these micro-electrodes are currently the only analytical tools capable of monitoring high pHs in confined places and, for this reason, they can be considered highly valuable for the study of chemical processes involving very alkaline waters. The study on the role of pore-water in the hardening process of formulated lime has, instead, demonstrated the potential of impedance spectroscopy as a non-destructive technique for real time in situ monitoring of the reaction between lime and hydraulic additives.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T20:42:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Katieli Tives Micene.pdf: 4623642 bytes, checksum: 36b44944e6ba4a03ed1e2905ac60f954 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-31 / The technique of remelting superficial laser (RSL) has been set up as a tool of increasing interest in recent years because of its ability to improve the corrosion performance of aluminum alloys, as a result of the formation of thin melting layers, with refined microstructures and practically free of intermetallic precipitates and inclusions. The laser treated samples are much more chemically homogeneous than the base material. This technique is promising versatile and it can be used to modify the surface region by melting and rapid solidification processes without affecting the property of the base material. In this study we used the RSL technique in a media without gas protection and with 2 kW Yb-fiber laser (IPG YLR-2000S), it was applied to the hypereutectic alloy Al-2.0 wt%Fe in order to analyze the changes caused by the treatment, therefore the resultant microstructure was evaluated, as well as, the surface quality (roughness), hardness and corrosion resistance in the aerated media 25ºC, solution of H2SO4 0.1 mol/L. The study of corrosion was analyzed by different techniques such as corrosion potential measurement, cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic polarization tests (micro and macro polarization) and the technique of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). By EIS technique, the characterization of the electrochemical behavior of the treated layer was performed and the values of the equivalent circuit, composed of resistors, capacitors and inductors. Therefore equivalent electrical circuits were generated according to the results presented by EIS using computational mathematical tools and Matlab software (tools toolbox) was used to perform this step. These results showed that the laser surface treatment performed on the alloy Al-2.0 wt%Fe resulted to the formation of a more compact structure, homogeneous and finer microstructure, producing an increase in microhardness at about 60.7% compared to the base material, reducing roughness, and corrosion rates was of approximately 11 lower smaller when compared to the untreated alloy, the laser treated layer has behaved passively in a wide range of potential, the polarization resistance of the treated layer was higher in relation to the untreated sample, by the EIS technique at high frequencies the samples had capacitive behavior, however, at low frequencies the samples had an inductive behavior. The treated layer thus evidence the effectiveness of treatment RSL to improve the surface quality of the samples and wear and corrosion resistance. / A técnica de Refusão Superficial a Laser (RSL) tem se configurado como uma ferramenta de crescente interesse nos últimos anos, por sua capacidade de melhorar o desempenho à corrosão das ligas de alumínio, tendo como resultado a formação de camadas fundidas finas com microestruturas refinadas que são praticamente isentos de precipitados intermetálicos e inclusões. As amostras tratadas com laser são muito mais homogêneas quimicamente do que o material base. Esta técnica é versátil e promissora e pode ser utilizado para modificar a região superficial por processos de fusão e solidificação rápida sem afetar a propriedade da amostra base. No presente trabalho utilizou-se a técnica de RSL sem proteção a gás com 2 kW Yb-fibra laser (IPG YLR-2000S) que foi aplicado na liga hipereutética Al-2%Fe a fim de analisar as modificações causadas pelo tratamento, para tanto foram avaliadas a microestrutura resultante, qualidade superficial (rugosidade), dureza e a resistência à corrosão em meio aerado à 25ºC em solução de H2SO4 0,1 mol/L. O estudo da corrosão foi analisado por diferentes técnicas tal como o monitoramento do potencial de corrosão, voltametria cíclica e ensaios de polarização potenciodinâmicas (micro e macropolarização), além da técnica de espectroscopia da impedância eletroquímica (EIE). Através da EIE, pôde-se caracterizar o comportamento eletroquímico da camada tratada e estipular os valores do circuito equivalente formado por resistores e capacitores e indutores. Para tanto foram gerados circuitos elétricos equivalentes aos dados apresentados pela EIE utilizando ferramentas matemáticas computacionais, sendo o software Matlab com ferramentas (toolbox) escolhido para realização desta etapa. Os resultados desta pesquisa indicaram que o tratamento superficial a laser efetuado na liga Al-2%Fe conduziu à formação de uma estrutura com microestrutura mais compacta, homogênea e refinada, levando ao aumento de dureza superficial em torno de 60,7% em relação ao material base, redução de rugosidade e taxas de corrosão de aproximadamente 11 vezes menor quando comparada com a liga não tratada, evidenciando assim a eficiência do tratamento RSL para melhorar a qualidade superficial das peças em termos de resistência ao desgaste à corrosão.