Submitted by THIAGO DE MORAIS MARIANO null (thiaguitobatera@gmail.com) on 2016-03-24T18:46:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO-VERSÃO FINAL.pdf: 1116395 bytes, checksum: 647c9edcd2f39b64fa625d689d79f620 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-03-24T19:59:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 mariano_tm_me_araiq.pdf: 1116395 bytes, checksum: 647c9edcd2f39b64fa625d689d79f620 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-24T19:59:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 mariano_tm_me_araiq.pdf: 1116395 bytes, checksum: 647c9edcd2f39b64fa625d689d79f620 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-11 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O óleo fúsel é o co-produto da destilação do etanol e é formado pela mistura de álcoois superiores (álcoois com mais de 3 carbonos), ésteres, aldeídos, entre outros. O volume de óleo fúsel produzido em média é 2,5 L de óleo fúsel por 1000 L de etanol, sendo utilizado como combustível nas caldeiras das usinas, bem como precursores de ésteres utilizados em indústrias de cosméticos e em fabricação de plásticos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver um sensor eletroquimico (GCE/RGO/AuNP/MIP) baseado em polímeros molecularmente impressos (MIP), utilizando o pirrol (Py) como monômero, contendo nanopartículas de ouro (AuNP) e óxido de grafeno reduzido (RGO) para a determinação do álcool isoamílico, um dos componentes do óleo fusel. Foram realizados estudos eletroquímicos, como estudo de velocidade de varredura, para determinar reversibilidade do sistema e diagnosticar o controle do processo eletródico. Após os estudos eletroquímicos, foram realizadas caracterização morfológica por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura com Canhão de Emissão de Eletrons com efeito de campo (MEV-FEG) e caracterização eletroquimica por Espectroscopia de Impedancia Eletroquímica (EIS). Após a caracterização, foi avaliada a performance analítica do sensor GCE/RGO/AuNP/MIP, utilizando um intervalo de concentração de 1,0×10-7 até 1,0×10-4 mol L-1, encontrando um limite de detecção de 8,2×10-8 mol L-1. Foi determinada a concentração de álcool isoamílico em amostra de óleo fúsel pelo método de adição de padrão e o valor encontrado foi de 1,6×10-4 mol L-1. O método foi validado através de ensaio de recuperação, mostrando que o sensor desenvolvido é promissor para a utilização em determinação de álcool isoamílico em óleo fúsel. / The fusel oil is co-product of the distillation of ethanol and is formed by the mixture of higher alcohols (alcohols having more than 3 carbons) esters, aldehydes, etc. The volume of fusel oil produced on average is 2.5 L fusel oil by 1000 L of ethanol, used as fuel in the boilers of the plants, as well as esters of precursors used in the cosmetics and plastics manufacturing. This study aimed to develop an electrochemical sensor (GCE/RGO/AuNP/MIP) based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), using pyrrole (Py) as the monomer, containing gold nanoparticles (AUNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for determining the isoamyl alcohol, one of fusel oil components. They were conducted electrochemical studies, such as study of scanning speed, to determine system reversibility and diagnose the control of the electrode process. After the electrochemical studies were conducted morphological caractrização by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electrons Emission Cannon with field effect (SEM-FEG) and electrochemical characterization by spectroscopy Electrochemical Impedance (EIS). After the characterization, the analytical performance of the GCE/RGO/AuNP/MIP sensor was evaluated using a concentration range of 1.0×10-7 to 1.0×10-4 mol L-1, encountering a detection limit 8.2×10-8 mol L-1. Was determined the concentration of isoamyl alcohol in a sample of fusel oil by standard addition method and the value found was 1.6×10-4 mol L-1. The method was validated by recovery test, showing that the sensor is designed promising for use in determining isoamyl alcohol fusel oil.

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit est une contribution à la recherche sur la mise en forme d'une nouvelle classe de bioélectrodes nanostructurées, principalement à base de nanotubes de carbone (NTCs). L'oxyde de graphène (GO) a été également évalué pour des applications bioélectrochimiques. Les procédés de fabrication développés autorisent l'ajout d'additifs tels que des médiateurs et des polymères. L'optimisation de la connexion enzymatique de la laccase pour la réduction de l'O2 sur des matrices de nanotubes de carbone ainsi que de la polyphénol oxydase (PPO) pour la détection électrochimique de l'ortho-quinone généré enzymatiquement a été étudiée. Dans un premier temps, le transfert d'électrons direct avec la laccase a été optimisé dans une matrice nanostructurée de NTCs. Dans ce contexte, nous avons examiné plusieurs approches pour immobiliser la laccase tout en l'orientant grâce à l'utilisation de dérivés de l'anthraquinone afin d'améliorer les performances catalytiques de la biocathode. L'immobilisation et l'orientation de l'enzyme ont été réalisées par fonctionnalisation des électrodes par le pyrène-mono-anthraquinone et le pyrène-bis-anthraquinone. La seconde partie présente la préparation d'une autre cathode basée sur la connexion indirecte de la laccase à une matrice nanostructurée de NTCs (buckypaper) contenant du bis-pyrène-ABTS comme médiateur rédox et comme réticulant pour la stabilité mécanique améliorée de ce buckypaper. La dernière partie de ce travail a été consacrée à la production de fibres par filage électrostatique à partir de deux mélanges différents: NTCs/ PAN(polyacrylonitrile) et GO/PAN. De telles fibres ont été utilisées comme électrodes pour des applications bioanalytiques et la bioconversion d'énergie. / This thesis is devoted to the development of a new class of freestanding nanostructured bioelectrodes mainly based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) Graphene oxide (GO) was also evaluated for its appropriateness for the treated bioelectrochemical approaches. The developed manufacturing processes forming CNTs slides (Buckypapers) or electrospun tissues also allow the confinement with additives like mediators or polymers. The optimization of the enzymatic connection of laccase, for O2 reduction on carbon nanotube arrays, and the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) for the electrochemical detection of enzymatically generated electroactive ortho-quinone was studied. Initially, direct electron transfer of laccase is optimized in a nanostructured CNTs matrix. We examined several approaches to immobilize and orient the laccase using anthraquinone derivatives while improving the catalytic performance of the biocathode. These immobilisation and orientation strategies on electrodes are performed by functionalization using pyrene-mono-Anthraquinone and pyrene-bis-anthraquinone. The second part of this thesis shows the preparation of another biocathode based on the indirect connection of laccase in nanostructured CNT buckypapers containing bis-pyrene-ABTS as a redox mediator and cross-linker, enhancing the mechanic stability of the buckypaper. The last part of this work was devoted to the production of nanofibers by electrospinning from two different blends: CNT / PAN and GO / PAN. Such fiber electrodes were used as bioelectrodes for bioanalytical applications and biological energy conversion.

De nos jours, les produits chimiques toxiques industriels ne sont pas toujours traités proprement, et leurs contaminants peuvent directement affecter la sécurité de l'eau potable. La photocatalyse, «une technologie verte» est une approche efficace et économique qui joue un rôle important dans la conversion de l'énergie solaire et la dégradation des polluants organiques. Ce manuscrit de thèse rapporte sur le développement des matériaux avancés (basés sur TiO2 et ZnO) susceptibles d'exploiter l'énergie solaire renouvelable pour résoudre les problèmes de pollution environnementale. Une partie de ce travail a été consacrée pour l’amélioration de l’activité photocatalytique du TiO2 sous lumière UV et visible. Par conséquent, les nanofibres composites de rGO/TiO2, BN/TiO2 et BN-Ag/TiO2 ont été élaborées en utilisant la technique d'électrofilage (electrospinning). La deuxième partie porte sur le ZnO, ainsi que les nanotubes multi co-centriques de ZnO/ZnAl2O4 et les nanotubes de ZnO dopés Al2O3 qui ont été synthétisés en combinant les deux techniques : dépôt de couche atomique (ALD) et electrospinning. Les propriétés morphologiques, structurelles et optiques de toutes les nanostructures synthétisées ont été étudiées par différentes techniques de caractérisations. Les résultats ont montré que les propriétés chimiques et physiques ont un effet très important sur les propriétés photocatalytiques des matériaux synthétisés. En outre, il a été constaté que l'effet de dopage conduit à une séparation de charge efficace dans le photocatalyseur, ce qui rend l’activité photocatalytique plus efficace. De plus, le méthyle orange et le bleu de méthylène ont été utilisés comme modèle de référence. Une amélioration significative et une stabilité à long terme de l’activité photocatalytique ont été observées avec les matériaux dopés comparés aux matériaux non-dopés sous lumière UV et visible. Des tests antibactériens contre Escherichia coli ont été également effectués; les résultats indiquent que BN-Ag/TiO2 présente à la fois des propriétés photocatalytiques intéressantes pour la dégradation des composés organiques et pour l'élimination des bactéries. / Nowadays, industrial toxic chemicals are still not properly treated and these contaminants may directly impact the safety of drinking water. Photocatalysis “a green technology” is an effective and economical approach and plays an important role in solar energy conversion and degradation of organic pollutants. This thesis manuscript reports on developing advanced materials (based on TiO2 and ZnO) being capable of exploiting renewable solar energy for solving the environmental pollution problems. A part of this work was dedicated to improve the UV and visible light TiO2 photoresponse. Therefore, rGO/TiO2, BN/TiO2 and BN-Ag/TiO2 composties nanofibers were successfully elaborated using the electrospinning technique. The second part focused on ZnO. Novel structures of ZnO/ZnAl2O4 multi co-centric nanotubes and Al2O3 doped ZnO nanotubes were designed by combining the two techniques of atomic layer deposition (ALD) and electrospinning. The morphological, structural and optical properties of all synthesized nanostructures were investigated by several characterization techniques. The results show that the chemical and physical properties have a high impact on the photocatalytic properties of the synthesized materials. Moreover, it was found that the doping effect lead to a more efficient charge separation in the photocatalyst, which is an advantage for photocatalytic activities. In addition, methyl orange and methylene blue were used as model reference. A significant enhancement and a long-term stability in the photocatalytic activity were observed with the doped materials compared to the non-doped ones under both UV and visible light. Antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli have also been performed; the results indicate that BN-Ag/TiO2 present interesting photocatalytic properties for both organic compound degradation and bacterial removal.

Orientador: Ana Flávia Nogueira / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-26T15:49:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SakerNeto_Nicolau_M.pdf: 15094468 bytes, checksum: d3c20b6e7dbd840a984fe7d8b1b365a8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Entre as alternativas promissoras para a produção de energia elétrica de modo econômico e ambientalmente sustentável está o aproveitamento da energia luminosa do Sol pelo efeito fotovoltaico. Células fotovoltaicas orgânicas fazem parte da mais nova geração de células solares, e prometem ser produzidas em larga escala a custo reduzido. Entretanto, células orgânicas atualmente estão limitadas por eficiências comparativamente baixas. O objetivo deste trabalho é introduzir derivados de grafeno em células solares orgânicas poliméricas como aceitador de elétrons e transportadores de cargas na camada absorvedora de luz, em substituição parcial ou total aos atuais materiais mais empregados, derivados de fulerenos C60 e C70. Óxido de grafeno (GO) foi obtido a partir da oxidação de grafite mineral utilizando-se o método de Hummers com modificações. Amostras de grafenos quimicamente modificados (CMGs) foram sintetizadas pela reação direta de dispersões de óxido de grafeno com ácido 2-tiofenoacético (TAA) por uma esterificação de Steglich, ou após um tratamento de óxido de grafeno em meio básico com hidróxido de tetrabutilamônio (TBAH). Os CMGs apresentaram funcionalização bastante limitada, tendo ocorrido principalmente uma desoxigenação dos derivados de grafeno. Ainda assim, os CMGs puderam ser dispersos no solvente usado para a preparação da camada absorvedora de luz, 1,2-diclorobenzeno. Os materiais sintetizados foram aplicados em células poliméricas baseadas no polímero poli(3-hexiltiofeno) (P3HT) e no derivado de fulereno [6,6]-fenil-C71-butanoato de metila (PC71BM), e os parâmetros fotovoltaicos resultantes foram obtidos. As eficiências de conversão fotovoltaicas em células contendo CMGs foram potencialmente limitadas pelo processo de desoxigenação / Abstract: Among the promising alternatives for the economically and environmentally sustainable production of electrical energy is the harnessing of the Sun's luminous energy by the photovoltaic effect. Organic photovoltaic cells are part of the newest generation of solar cells, promising large-scale production at reduced costs. However, organic cells are currently limited by comparatively low efficiencies. The objective of this work is to introduce graphene derivatives in polymer organic solar cells as electron acceptors and charge transporters in the light-absorbing layer, partially or fully replacing the currently most used materials, derivatives of C60 and C70 fullerenes. Graphene oxide (GO) was obtained by the oxidation of mineral graphite using a modified Hummers' method. Samples of chemically modified graphenes (CMGs) were synthesized by the direct reaction of graphene oxide dispersions with 2-thiopheneacetic acid (TAA) via Steglich esterification, or after treatment of graphene oxide in basic medium with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH). The CMGs showed very limited functionalization and the main occurrence was a deoxygenation of the graphene derivatives. Still, the CMGs were dispersible in the solvent used for the preparation of the light-absorbing layer, 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The synthesized materials were applied in polymer cells based on the polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and the fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyl methyl ester (PC71BM) and the resulting photovoltaic parameters were obtained. The photovoltaic conversion efficiencies for cells containing CMGs were potentially limited by the deoxygenation process / Mestrado / Quimica Organica / Mestre em Química

Orientadores: Vitor Baranauskas, Helder José Ceragioli / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T01:34:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_ThiagoFranchiPereirada_D.pdf: 9373432 bytes, checksum: 13a36b35d789088396a134f65246b3a9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Células solares orgânicas e inorgânicas representam uma excelente alternativa como fonte de energia renovável. Este trabalho consiste em aplicar nanoestruturas de carbono obtidas pela técnica HFCVD (Hot Filament Chemical Vapour Deposition) como componentes utilizados na construção e melhoria de células solares orgânicas (organic photovoltaics - OPVs) e células sensibilizadas por corante (dye-sensitized cells - DSCs). Foi obtido óxido de grafeno reduzido (rGO), carbono tipo diamante (DLC - diamondlike carbon) e diamante condutor nanoestruturado. Estes materiais foram caracterizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM-FEG), microscopia de transmissão de alta resolução (HRTEM), espectroscopia Raman e análise termogravimétrica (TGA). O rGO foi empregado na construção das células DSC misturado na pasta de TiO2 em diferentes concentrações, produzindo o aumento de fotocorrente gerada e, consequentemente, o rendimento. O mesmo material foi empregado nas OPVs, em diferentes concentrações, para a substituição do fulereno PCBM (1-(3-metoxicarbonil)-propil-1-1-fenil- (6,6)metanofulereno) e também em conjunto com o fulereno, sendo observada também a melhoria no desempenho dos dispositivos em função da concentração. Com finalidade de substituir os contraeletrodos das células DSC, carbono tipo diamante foi depositado em substrato de alumínio (Al) e diamante condutor nanoestruturado depositado em substratos de nióbio (Nb). As células com contraeletrodos de Al com filme de DLC apresentaram sensibilidade à luz, com possibilidade de aplicação em sensores ópticos, enquanto as células com contraeletrodos de Nb com filme de diamante condutor apresentaram excelente desempenho, tornando possível a substituição dos contraeletrodos de platina / Abstract: Organic and inorganic solar cells comprise a promising solution as a renewable energy source. This work consists of applying carbon nanostructures obtained by HFCVD technique (Hot Filament Chemical Vapour Deposition) as components used in the construction and improvement of organic solar cells (organic photovoltaics - OPVs) and dye sensitized cells (dye-sensitized cells - DSCs). Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), carbon diamond-like (DLC - diamond- like carbon) and nanostructured conductor diamond was obtained. These materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG), high resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Reduced graphene oxide was used for the construction of the DSC cell at the TiO2 layer mixed in different concentrations, producing an increase in photocurrent generated and thus conversion efficiency. The same material was used in the OPVs at different concentrations for the replacement of fullerene PCBM (1- (3-methoxycarbonyl) -propyl-1-1-phenyl- (6,6) metanofulereno) and with the fullerene was also observed improvement in performance of the devices as a function of concentration. With aim of replacing the counterelectrode of DSCs cells, diamond-like carbon was deposited on aluminum substrate (Al) and nanostructured conductive diamond deposited on niobium (Nb) substrates. Cells with Al/DLC counterelectrode showed sensitivity to light, with the possibility of application in optical devices while cells with Nb/nanostructured conductive diamond counterelectrode showed excellent performance, with possibility to replace platinum counterelectrodes / Doutorado / Eletrônica, Microeletrônica e Optoeletrônica / Doutor em Engenharia Elétrica

Orientador: Lauro Tatsuo Kubota / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T13:04:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Camargo_MaiuiNagaoLindqquerde_M.pdf: 3614340 bytes, checksum: 6d1263c93417d379a0c3010830acb5e6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Este trabalho visa demonstrar como o grau de redução do óxido de grafeno eletroquimicamente reduzido (ERGO) pode ser modulado dependendo das condições experimentais utilizadas para se fazer a redução eletroquímica, e como ele influencia nas propriedades eletroquímicas do material final. Esta influência pôde ser constatada por medidas eletroquímicas, de espectroscopia Raman e de fotoelétrons excitados por raios-X (XPS). Através de experimentos eletroquímicos feitos na presença da sonda de ferri/ferrocianeto de potássio, foi possível demonstrar que os eletrodos de ouro modificados com os ERGOs com maiores graus de redução se comportam eletroquimicamente de maneira similar ao não modificado, e portanto, a redução dos grupos oxigenados da superfície do material é importante para que essa similaridade seja atingida. No entanto, essa sonda não permite monitorar o balanço entre grupos oxidados e reduzidos e para fazer isso, foi escolhida uma sonda eletroativa sensível aos grupos oxigenados. Análises feitas na presença de ?-nicotinamida adenina dinucleotídeo (NADH) demonstraram que grupos funcionais oxigenados essenciais para a oxidação dessa espécie estavam diminuindo na superfície do material com o aumento do grau de redução deste. Os espectros de Raman e de XPS também confirmaram essa informação. Além disso, a capacidade adsortiva do ERGO foi testada utilizando o corante Azul de Meldola. Novamente, o grau de redução do ERGO teve papel fundamental, uma vez que interações ?-? ou eletrostáticas podem ser favorecidas entre o ERGO e o corante, dependendo do grau de redução do primeiro, implicando em propriedades distintas dos materiais frente a oxidação de NADH / Abstract: This work aims to demonstrate how the extent of reduction of the electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) can be modulated depending on the experimental conditions used for performing the electrochemical reduction, and how it influences on the electrochemical properties of the final material. This influence can be verified by electrochemical, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. By means of electrochemical experiments carried out in the presence of the ferro/ferricyanide probe, it was possible to demonstrate that the gold electrodes modified with the ERGOs with higher extents of reduction behave electrochemically in a similar manner to the non-modified, and therefore, the reduction of the oxygenated groups on the surface of the material is important for this similarity to be reached. However, this probe does not permit the monitoring of the balance between oxidized and reduced groups and to do so, an electroactive probe sensitive to the oxygenated groups was chosen. Analyses done in the presence of ?-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) enabled the conclusion that the oxygenated functional groups essential for the oxidation of this species decreased on the surface of the material with the increase of the extent of reduction. The Raman and XPS spectra also confirmed this information. Apart from this, the adsorptive capacity of the ERGO was tested using the dye Meldola's Blue. Once again, the extent of reduction of the ERGO had a fundamental role, since ?-? or electrostatic interactions can be favoured to occur between the ERGO and the dye, depending on the extent of reduction of the former, leading to distinct properties of the materials regarding NADH oxidation / Mestrado / Quimica Analitica / Mestra em Química

Orientador: Oswaldo Luiz Alves / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T15:35:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Moraes_AnaCarolinaMazarinde_D.pdf: 5504556 bytes, checksum: ff8566e313e82701925549e2ecd544ab (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O óxido de grafeno (GO) é uma forma quimicamente modificada de grafeno que possui grupos funcionais contendo oxigênio (epóxi, carboxila, carbonila, e hidroxila) distribuídos sobre a base e as bordas de suas folhas. Devido à abundância dos grupamentos oxigenados, o GO tem sido usado como uma plataforma para suportar e estabilizar nanoestruturas metálicas, tais como nanopartículas de prata (NPAgs), visando aplicações biológicas. Além disso, devido à sua excelente capacidade de dispersão e elevada área superficial, o GO tem sido considerado uma carga promissora para a construção de compósitos poliméricos. Neste trabalho, relatamos a síntese do GO e dos nanocompósitos de óxido de grafeno funcionalizado com NPAgs (GO-Ag) os quais podem ser utilizados como agentes antibacterianos de amplo espectro. O GO foi sintetizado por meio do método de Hummers modificado, e o GO-Ag foi preparado através da redução in situ dos íons de prata por citrato de sódio. As folhas de GO foram funcionalizadas com NPAgs esféricas de diâmetro médio de 9,4 nm. Estes nanocompósitos exibiram excelente atividade antimicrobiana contra as principais bactérias em ambiente hospitalar, tais como Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, e Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina. Os nanocompósitos GO-Ag também foram aplicados como eficazes agentes antimicrobianos a fim de evitar a proliferação bacteriana em membranas de micro e ultrafiltração. Neste sentido, membranas antimicrobianas de acetato de celulose (CA) foram fabricadas a partir da incorporação de GO e GO-Ag na matriz polimérica (CA-GOAg). Após a funcionalização, as membranas permeáveis modificadas com GO-Ag foram capazes de inativar cerca de 90% das células de E. coli em comparação com as membranas de CA não modificadas. Os resultados sugerem que a incorporação de nanocompósitos GO-Ag é uma abordagem promissora para controlar o desenvolvimento da adesão bacteriana em membranas de purificação de água. Com relação à demanda de novos materiais com elevada estabilidade e com capacidade de proteção contra radiação ultravioleta (UV), foram fabricados filmes compósitos transparentes a partir de acetato de celulose e óxido de grafeno. A caracterização físico-química revelou que as folhas de GO estão bem dispersas por toda a matriz polimérica, proporcionando filmes compósitos lisos e homogêneos. Em comparação com os filmes pristinos de CA, os filmes compósitos exibiram melhor capacidade de proteção contra radiação UV combinado com transparência óptica à luz visível, o que reforça a sua aplicação como revestimentos transparentes com proteção UV para alimentos, produtos farmacêuticos, biomédicos, e produtos eletrônicos / Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO) is a chemically modified form of graphene that possesses oxygen-containing groups (epoxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl) distributed on the plane and edges of the sheets. Owing to the abundance of oxygenated groups, GO has been used as a platform to support and stabilize metallic nanostructures such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), aiming biological applications. In addition, GO has been considered a promising material for building polymeric composites because of its excellent dispersibility and high surface area. In this work, we report the synthesis of GO and GO functionalized with AgNPs (GO-Ag) for use as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. GO was synthesized through the modified Hummers method, and the GO-Ag was prepared through the in situ reduction of silver ions by sodium citrate. Spherical AgNPs with average size of 9.4 nm were found well-dispersed throughout the GO sheets. This nanocomposite exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against common nosocomial bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. GO-Ag nanocomposites were also applied as an effective antimicrobial agent in order to prevent the bacterial proliferation on micro and ultrafiltration membranes. Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were then fabricated from the incorporation of GO and GO-Ag into the polymeric matrix (CA-GOAg). After functionalization, the permeable CA membranes modified with GO-Ag were able to inactivate mostly 90% of E. coli cells compared to the non-modified CA membranes. The results suggest that the incorporation of GO-Ag nanocomposites is a promising approach to control biofouling development in water purification membranes. Concerning the demand for novel ultraviolet shielding materials with high stability, transparent and UV-shielding composite films were fabricated by casting a mixture of GO with cellulose acetate (CA). The physicochemical characterization revealed that GO sheets were well-dispersed throughout the polymeric matrix, providing smooth and homogeneous composite films. By comparison with pristine CA films, the composite films displayed an improved UV-shielding capacity combined with optical transparency under visible light, which underscores their application as transparent UV-protective coatings for food, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and electronic products / Doutorado / Quimica Inorganica / Doutora em Ciências

Ce travail de thèse est consacré à la mise en forme de nouveaux matériaux carbonés à partir d’un précurseur biosourcé. Les matériaux carbonés tels que les fibres de carbone utilisés dans les composites sont principalement obtenus à partir de précurseurs d’origine pétrosourcée. Ces précurseurs sont onéreux et incompatibles avec une industrie durable. L’utilisation d’un précurseur biosourcé disponible en grande quantité tel que la lignine permet de pallier ces limitations. La structure moléculaire aromatique et la teneur élevée en carbone de la lignine font d’elle un candidat idéal pour l’élaboration de matériau carboné biosourcé. La lignine a pu être transformée en divers matériaux carbonés tels que des nanofibres de carbone, des tresses de nanofibres de carbone, ou encore des objets 3D composites carbonisés. Ces matériaux ont été obtenus à partir de techniques innovantes que sont l’électrofilage et l’impression 3D. Le tressage des nanofibres de carbone ex-lignine a permis d’évaluer les propriétés mécaniques des fibres de carbone. Les propriétés électrochimiques des tresses de nanofibres de carbone ex-lignine sont apparues intéressantes pour une utilisation potentielle en tant que microélectrodes. La microstructure faiblement organisée du carbone issue de la lignine a pu être améliorée. Un traitement thermique de graphitisation ou un ajout de nanocharges carbonées ont contribué à cette amélioration. Les propriétés mécaniques, structurales et de conductivité électrique des nanofibres nanocomposites ont permis de définir l’influence de l’oxyde de graphène sur la lignine. Un effet composite entre ces deux constituants a pu être observé. L’impression 3D d’encres composites à base de lignine et d’oxyde de graphène a pu être rapportée pour la première fois afin d’élaborer des objets 3D carbonisés denses, organisés et conducteurs d’électricité. / This work is devoted to the preparation of new bio-based carbon materials. Carbon materials, such as carbon fibers used in composites, are mainly obtained from a petroleum precursor. These precursors are expensive and not compatible with a sustainable industry. The use of a bio-based precursor available in large quantities such as lignin makes it possible to overcome limitations of petroleum based precursors. The aromatic molecular structure and high carbon content of lignin make it an ideal candidate for the production of bio-based carbon material. Lignin could be transformed into various materials such as carbon nanofibers, twisted carbon nanofibers, or carbonized composite 3D structures. These materials have been obtained from innovative techniques such as electrospinning and 3D printing. Twisting of the lignin-based-carbon nanofibers allowed for measurements of their mechanical strength. The electrochemical properties of the lignin-based twisted carbon nanofibers are interesting for potential microelectrode applications. The low microstructural order of the carbon from the carbonized lignin has been improved. Graphitization treatment or addition of carbon nanofillers contributed to this improvement. The mechanical, structural and electrical properties of nanocomposite carbon nanofibers illustrate the influence of graphene oxide on lignin. A composite effect between these two components has been observed. The 3D printing of composite inks based on lignin and graphene oxide has been reported for the first time in order to elaborate dense, organized and electrically conductive 3D carbonized structures.

A novel multilayer membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is fabricated in this work, within a single spray-coating device. For the first time, direct membrane deposition is used to fabricate a PEMFC by spraying the short-side-chain ionomer Aquivion directly onto the gas diffusion electrodes. The fully sprayed MEA, with an Aquivion membrane 10 μm in thickness, achieved a high power density of 1.6 W/cm2 for H2/air operation at 300 kPaabs. This is one of the highest reported values for thin composite membranes operated in H2/air atmosphere. By the means of confocal laser scanning microscopy, individual carbon fibers from the gas diffusion layer are identified to penetrate through the micro porous layer (MPL), likely causing a low electrical cell resistance in the range of 150 Ω cm2 through the thin sprayed membranes. By spraying a 200 nm graphene oxide/cerium oxide (GO/CeO2) interlayer between two layers of Aquivion ionomer, the impact of the electrical short is eliminated and the hydrogen crossover current density is reduced to about 1 mA/cm2. The peak power density of the interlayer-containing MEA drops only by 10% compared to a pure Aquivion membrane of similar thickness.

La spectroscopie de perte d’énergie des électrons (EELS) et la cathodoluminescence (CL) dans un microscope électronique en transmission à balayage (STEM) sont des techniques puissantes pour l’étude des nanostructures isolées. Cependant, des électrons rapides peuvent endommager fortement des échantillons minces et fragiles, ce qui limite la résolution spatiale et l’intensité des signaux spectroscopiques. Pendant cette thèse, nous avons dépassé cette restriction par le développement de protocoles d’acquisition spécifiques pour l’étude de certains archétypes de nanosystèmes fragiles. Dans la première partie de cette thèse, nous avons caractérisé des flocons minces de graphène oxydé (GO) et GO réduit (RGO) par EELS dans le STEM. Grâce aux spécificités techniques de notre microscope et à la définition des conditions d’illumination optimales, nous avons dérivé des cartes du contenu d’oxygène dans le (R)GO à une résolution spatiale inédite. Aussi, par l’analyse des pics EELS de structure fine, nous avons révisé les modèles atomiques proposés dans la littérature. Des molécules isolées constituent une autre classe de nanomatériaux fortement sensibles à l’irradiation et aussi à l’environnement chimique et physique. Nous avons conduit des expériences de CL sur des molécules individuelles, grâce à un choix avisé du substrat. Le nitrure de bore hexagonal (h-BN) est un matériaux bidimensionnel chimiquement inerte, qui participe activement au processus de CL en absorbant l’énergie incidente. Le transfert de l’excitation aux molécules et l’utilisation d’une routine innovante d’acquisition par balayage aléatoire ont permis de réduire les effets d’illumination. Ensuite, l’intérêt porté aux propriétés optiques du h-BN ont inspiré l’étude de sa phase cubique (c-BN), qui a été peu caractérisé auparavant à cause d’impuretés dans les cristaux. Nous avons analysé des cristaux de c-BN de haute pureté par EELS, en identifiant une bande interdite d’énergie plus grande que précédemment rapportée et plus proche des calculs les plus récents. Dans des cristaux moins purs, nous avons identifié et analysé plusieurs émissions associées à des défauts, en termes d’énergie caractéristique, distribution spatiale et temps de vie, par CL et interférométrie en intensité de Hanbury-Brown et Twiss. / Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence(CL) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) are extremely powerful techniques for the study of individual nanostructures. Nevertheless, fast electrons damage extremely sensitive thin specimens, imposing strong limitations on the spatial resolution and the intensity of spectroscopic measurements. During this thesis we have overcome this restriction by developing material-specific acquisition protocols for the study of some archetypical fragile nanosystems. In the first part of this thesis we have characterized graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) thin flakes by EELS spectroscopy in the STEM. Thanks to the particular setup of our microscope and by experimentally defining the optimal illumination conditions, we have derived oxygen quantification maps of (R)GO at an unprecedented spatial resolution. On the basis also of EELS fine structures analysis, we have revised the existing proposed atomic models for these materials. Another class of exceedingly sensitive nanometric systems is represented by individual molecules, which are strongly affected by both illumination and chemical/physical environment. We have performed the first CL-STEM investigation on the luminescence of isolated molecules, thanks to a watchful choice of the substrate. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a flat, chemically inert 2D material, that actively takes part in the CL process by absorbing the incident energy. Excitation transfer from h-BN to molecules and the use of an innovative random scan acquisition routine in the STEM have allowed to considerably lower illumination effects and improve CL intensity. Afterwards, the attractive optical properties of h-BN have led to the study of its cubic phase (c-BN), which has been up to now hindered by the poor quality of the crystals. By EELS in the STEM we have analysed c-BN crystals of the highest available purity, identifying a wider optical band-gap with respect to previous experimental studies and in better agreement with recent calculations. In commercial crystals, several defect-related emissions have been identified and analysed in terms of characteristic energy, spatial distribution and lifetime using CL and Hanbury-Brown and Twiss intensity interferometry.