[EN] Abstract The present PhD thesis entitled "Supramolecular Chemistry: New chemodosimeters and hybrid materials for the chromo-fluorogenic detection of anions and neutral molecules" is based on the application of supramolecular chemistry and material science principles for the development of optical chemosensors for anions and neutral molecules detection. The second chapter of this PhD thesis is devoted to the preparation of chemodosimeters for the chromo-fluorogenic detection of fluoride, diisopropyl fluorophosphates (DFP) and hydrogen sulfide. The optical detection of fluoride anion was achieved by using a pyridine derivative containing a t-butyldimethylsilyl ether group. Aqueous solutions of the chemodosimeter were colorless but turned yellow upon addition of fluoride anion. Also a remarkable enhancement in emission was observed only upon the addition of fluoride. The optical changes were ascribed to a fluoride-induced hydrolysis of the silyl ether moiety. Also a chemodosimeter for the optical recognition of DFP, a nerve agent simulant, was prepared. In this case, the chemodosimeter was based on a stilbene pyridinium derivative functionalized with hydroxyl and silyl ether moieties. Aqueous solutions of the chemodosimeter were colorless changing to yellow upon DFP addition. The optical changes were ascribed to a hydroxyl phosphorylation followed by a fluoride-induced hydrolysis of the silyl ether group. Besides, that probe was implemented in test strips and DFP detection in gas phase was accomplished. Finally, the fluorogenic recognition of hydrogen sulfide anion was explored. For this purpose different fluorophores were selected and fucntionalized with 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether groups. The prepared probes were neraly non-emissive but remarkable emission enhancements upon addition of hydrogen sulfide were observed. The emission enhancements observed were due to a selective sulfide-induced hydrolysis of the 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether moiety that yielded the free fluorophores. Another set of chemodosimeters equipped with azide and sulfonylazide moieties were prepared. Again these probes were non-fluorescent but upon addition of hydrogen sulfide an important enhancement in emission was found. The selective response was ascribed to a reduction of the azide and sulfonylazide moieties to amine and sulfonylamide induced by hydrogen sulfide anion. Besides, the viability assays showed that these dosimeters were essentially non-toxic and real-time fluorescence imaging measurements confirmed their ability to detect intracellular hydrogen sulfide at micromolar concentrations. The third chapter of this PhD thesis was devoted to the preparation of nanoscopic gated materials and their use in sensing protocols. In a first step a gated material for the optical detection of glutathione (GSH) was prepared. For this purpose MCM-41 mesoporous silca nanoparticles were selected as inorganic scaffold. The pores were loaded with safranine O and the external surface was functionalized with disulfide-containing oligo(ethylene glycol) moieties. Dye delivery from aqueous suspensions of the sensory material was only observed in the presence of GSH. The signalling paradigm was ascribed to the selective reduction of the disulfide bond by GSH which induced pore opening and dye release. Also capped organic-inorganic hybrid materials for the selective detection of hydrogen sulfide were prepared and characterized. In this case the same MCM-41 support was used and charged with [Ru(bipy)3]2+ dye. Then, the external surface was functionalized with Cu(II)-macorcyclic complexes and finally, the pores were capped by the addition of the bulky anion hexametaphosphate. Aqueous suspensions of this material showed negligible dye release whereas in the presence of hydrogen sulfide anion a remarkable colour change was observed. This optical response was ascribed to a demetallation process of the Cu(II) complex induced by hydrogen sulfide. / [ES] Resumen La presente tesis doctoral titulada "Química supramolecular: Nuevos dosímetros químicos y materiales híbridos para la detección cromo-fluorogénica de aniones y moléculas neutras." está basada en la aplicación de principios básicos de la química supramolecular y de la ciencia de materiales en el desarrollo de sensores ópticos para aniones y moléculas neutras. El segundo capítulo de esta tesis doctoral está dedicado a la preparación de dosímetros químicos para la detección cromo-fluorogénica de fluoruro, diisopropil fluorofosfato (DFP) y sulfuro de hidrógeno. Para la detección óptica del anión fluoruro se sintetizó un derivado de piridina funcionalizado con un t-butildimetilsilil éter. En este capítulo también se describe la preparación de un dosímetro químico para la detección de DFP, que es un simulante de agentes nerviosos. Este dosímetro está basado en un estilbeno funcionalizado con una sal de piridinio que contiene grupos hidroxilo y silil éter en su estructura. Finalmente se prepararon dos familias de sensores para la detección óptica de hidrógeno sulfuro. La primera familia de sensores consiste en fluoróforos comunes funcionalizados con 2,4-dinitrofenil éteres. Los sensores preparados no presentaron una emisión de fluorescencia importante mientras que, en presencia del anión hidrógeno sulfuro, se observó un aumento significativo. La segunda familia de dosímetros también estaba compuesta por ciertos fluorofóros pero, en este caso, funcionalizados con grupos azida y sulfonilazida. Los dosimétros preparados, siguiendo esta segunda aproximación, tampoco dieron una fluorescencia significativa observándose un aumento de la misma al añadir el anión hidrógeno sulfuro. El tercer capítulo de esta tesis doctoral está dedicado a la preparación de materiales híbridos nanoscópicos funcionalizados con puertas moleculares y su aplicación en protocolos de reconocimiento. En primer lugar se preparó un material para la detección óptica de glutatión (GSH). Para ello se emplearon nanopartículas de MCM-41 mesoporosas como soporte inorgánico. Los poros del soporte fueron cargados con el colorante safranina O y la superficie externa funcionalizada con oligo(etilenglicol) conteniendo enlaces disulfuro. También se prepararon y caracterizaron varios materiales híbridos para la detección selectiva del anión hidrógeno sulfuro. En este caso también se empleó, como soporte inorgánico, sílice mesoporosa MCM-41. Los poros del soporte inorgánico fueron cargados con [Ru(bipy)3]2+ y la superficie externa funcionalizada con varios complejos macrocíclicos de Cu(II). El material sensor final fue obtenido al añadir el anion hexametafosfato, que compleja con los complejos de Cu(II), produciendo un bloqueo de los poros. / [CAT] Resum La present tesi doctoral titulada "Química supramolecular: Nous dosímetres químics i materials híbrids per a la detecció cromo-fluorogènica d'anions i molècules neutres." està basada en l'aplicació dels principis bàsics de la química supramolecular i de la ciència dels materials en el desenvolupament de sensors òptics per a anions i molècules neutres. El segon capítol d'aquesta tesi doctoral està dedicat a la preparació de dosímetres químics per a la detecció cromo-fluorogènica de fluorur, diisopropil fluorofosfat (DFP) i sulfur d'hidrogen. Per a la detecció òptica de l'anió fluorur es va sintetitzar un derivat de piridina funcionalitzat amb un t-dibutildimetilsilil èter. En aquest capítol també es descriu la preparació d'un dosímetre químic per a la detecció de DFP, que és un simulant d'agents nerviosos. Aquest dosímetre està basat en un estilbè funcionalitzat amb una sal de piridina que conté grups hidroxil i silis èter en la seua estructura. Finalment varen ser preparades dues famílies de sensors per a la detecció òptica de sulfur d'hidrogen. La primera família consisteix en fluoròfors comuns funcionalitzats amb 2,4-dinitrofenil èters. Els sensors preparats no presentaren una emissió de fluorescència significativa mentre que, en presencia de l'anió hidrogen sulfur, es va observar un augment significatiu. La segona família de dosímetres també estava composada per certs fluròfors però, en aquest cas, funcionalitzats amb grups azida i sulfonilazida. Els dosímetres preparats, seguint aquesta segona aproximació, tampoc donaren una fluorescència significativa observant-se un augment de la mateixa al afegir l'anió hidrogen sulfur. El tercer capítol d'aquesta tesi doctoral està dedicat a la preparació de materials híbrids nanoscòpics funcionalitzats amb portes moleculars i la seua aplicació en protocols de reconeixement. En primer lloc es va preparar un material per a la detecció òptica de glutatió (GSH). Per a aquest propòsit es varen emprar nanopartícules MCM-41 mesoporoses com a suport inorgànic. Els porus del suport varen ser carregats amb el colorant safranina O i la superfície externa funcionalitzada amb oligo(etilenglicol) que contenia enllaços disulfurs. També varen ser preparats i caracteritzats diversos materials híbrids per a la detecció selectiva de l'anió hidrogen sulfur. En aquest cas també es va emprar, com a suport inorgànic, sílice mesoporosa MCM-41. Els porus del suport inorgànic varen ser carregats amb [Ru(bipy)3]2+ i la superfície externa funcionalitzada amb diversos complexos macrocíclics de Cu(II). El material sensor final es va obtindre al afegir l'anió hexametafosfat, que es complexa amb macrocicles de Cu(II), produint un bloqueig dels porus. / El Sayed Shehata Nasr, S. (2015). Supramolecular Chemistry: New chemodosimeters and hybrid materials for the chromo-fluorogenic detection of anions and neutral molecules [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/52598 / TESIS

Cette thèse s'inscrit dans le projet optique digital porté par la société Essilor, leader mondial dans le domaine de l'optique ophtalmique. La collaboration entre le laboratoire Charles Coulomb et Essilor a donné naissance à une nouvelle génération de systèmes optiques apposés directement sur le verre ophtalmique. Ce système est constitué de microcuves remplies d'un autre matériau pouvant être différent d'une cuve à l'autre. Il en résulte une pixellisation de la surface permettant des phénomènes optiques innovants. La première partie de ce travail est consacrée à la synthèse et à la caractérisation de résines hybrides organiques-inorganiques photosensibles fonctionnant à différentes longueurs d'ondes. Le but est de créer les microcuves par un procédé de photolithographie dont la rigidité est telle que les murs puissent résister au remplissage par un liquide. Les polymérisations minérales et organiques de ces résines ont été étudiées d'un point de vue structural (spectroscopie infrarouge et RMN), mécanique (technique de nanoindentation) et texturale (absorption - désorption de gaz). La deuxième partie porte sur l'incorporation d'une couche ultraporeuse à l'intérieur des microcuves. Le choix final s'est porté sur un aérogel de silice mélangé à un polymère et réalisé par séchage en condition supercritique du CO2. Ses propriétés sont caractérisées par diverses techniques comme le MEB, les spectroscopies infrarouge et UV-Visible, la microscopie AFM et la nanoindentation. Ce système constitué de microcuves remplies d'un matériau ultraporeux peut alors être imprégné localement par différents liquides d'indice de réfraction variés afin d'obtenir les effets optiques désirés. / This thesis is feeling part of the optical digital project carried out by Essilor, the world leader in the ophthalmic optics field. The collaboration between the Charles Coulomb Laboratory (LCC) and Essilor has spawned a new generation of optical systems affixed directly on the ophthalmic glass. This system consists of microtanks filled with material that may be different from one tank to the other. The result is a pixelated surface which can be lead to innovative optical phenomena. The first part of this work is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of photosensitive organic-inorganic hybrid resins operating at different wavelengths. The goal is to create by a photolithography process microtanks whose rigidity is such that the walls can resist with a liquid filling. Polymerizations of hybrid photosensitive resins have been studied in a structural (infrared and NMR spectroscopy), mechanical (nanoindentation technique) and textural (absorption - desorption of gas) way. The second part focuses on the ultraporous layer incorporation inside microtanks. The final choice fell on silica aerogel containing polymer and obtained under CO2 supercritical drying conditions. Its properties are characterized by various techniques such as SEM, infrared and UV-Visible spectroscopy, AFM microscopy and nanoindentation technique. The all system consists of microtanks filled with an ultraporous material which can be locally impregnated by different liquids with a varied refractive index to obtain the desired optical effects.

Afin d’optimiser par une approche moléculaire des catalyseurs hétérogènes, qu’ils soient dits sites uniques ou des particules supportées, il est nécessaire d’accéder à une compréhension détaillée de leur structure et de leur processus de formation. Dans ce but, les techniques classiques de caractérisation (adsorption, IR, EXAFS, TEM…) ont été combinées à la RMN solide, pour accéder à la structure fine et à la dynamique des espèces présentes en surface. Dans ce cadre, nous avons tout d’abord montré que la formation d’espèces Au(I) (densité de surface de 0.35/nm2) entouré de fragments hydrophobes (OSiMe3) par greffage contrôlé de {AuN(SiMe3)2}4 sur silice se transforment en particules d’or de ca. 1.8nm supportées sur silice passivée par réduction ménagée sous H2 à 300°C. Ce système a démontré des propriétés particulières en oxydation et hydrogénation, et permet d’affiner les mécanismes d’activation de l’O2 sur les nanoparticules d’or. Cette approche a aussi été utilisée pour la préparation et la caractérisation de particules de ruthénium supportées. La réactivité de ces particules d’or et ruthénium vis-à-vis de petites molécules (H2, phosphines, éthylène et CO) a été étudiée, en particulier par RMN. Toutefois, la faible densité d’espèces de surface sur ces particules constitue un des problèmes majeurs pour obtenir des spectres RMN de bonne qualité. Ainsi, nous avons développé une méthode basée sur l’augmentation du signal RMN des espèces de surface de matériaux par polarisation dynamique nucléaire (DNP). Cette approche, très prometteuse, d’abord appliquée à des matériaux hybrides (inorganique-organiques), devrait lever un des freins majeurs de la caractérisation des sites de surface des matériaux et en particulier des catalyseurs hétérogènes / In order to optimize heterogeneous catalysts through a molecular approach, whether based on single-sites or supported nanoparticles, it is necessary to access to a detailed understanding of its structures and formation mechanism. To reach this goal, classical characterization techniques (adsorption, IR, EXAFS, TEM…) have been combined with solid state NMR in order to access to the detailed structure and the dynamics of surface species. Here, we showed that the formation of well-dispersed Au(I) surface species (0.35/nm2) surrounded by hydrophobic groups (OSiMe3) by the controlled grafting of {AuN(SiMe3)2}4 and its conversion into 1.8nm gold nanoparticles supported on fully passivated silica upon a mild reduction under H2 (300°C). This system displays good activity and selectivity in air oxidation and hydrogenation reactions and provides new information on the activation of O2 on gold nanoparticles. By a similar approach, supported ruthenium nanoparticles have been prepared and characterized. Reactivity of Au and Ru nanoparticles with probe molecules (H2, phosphines, ethylene and CO) has been studied, in particular by NMR. However, the low density of these surface species, especially for supported nanoparticles is still one of the main problems, making difficult to obtain high quality NMR spectra in a reasonable time. Therefore, we have developed a method based on the enhancement of NMR signals of surface species via dipolar nuclear polarization (DNP). This very promising approach has first been applied very successfully to hybrid materials and silica; this opens new avenues in the characterization of surface species of materials and particularly heterogeneous catalysts

<div> <p>Fiber reinforced polymer composites are widely used in manufacturing advanced light weight structures for the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors owing to their superior stiffness and strength. With the increasing use of composites, there is an increasing need to monitor the health of these structures during their lifetime. Currently, health monitoring in filament wound composites is facilitated by embedding piezoelectrics and optical fibers in the composite during the manufacturing process. However, the incorporation of these sensing elements introduces sites of stress concentration which could lead to progressive damage accumulation. In addition to introducing weak spots in the structure, they also make the manufacturing procedure difficult. </p> <p> </p> <p>Alternatively, nanofiller modification of the matrix imparts conductivity which can be leveraged for real time health monitoring with fewer changes to the manufacturing method. Well dispersed nanofillers act as an integrated sensing network. Damage or strain severs the well-connected nanofiller network thereby causing a local change in conductivity. The self-sensing capabilities of these modified composites can be combined with low cost, minimally invasive imaging modalities such as electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for damage detection. To date, however, EIT has exclusively been used for damage detection in planar coupons. These simple plate-like structures are not representative of real-world complex geometries. This thesis advances the state of the art in conductivity-based structural health monitoring (SHM) and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) by addressing this limitation of EIT. The current study will look into damage detection of a non-planar multiply connected domain – a filament-wound glass fiber/epoxy tube modified by carbon black (CB) filler. The results show that EIT is able to detect through holes as small as 7.94 mm in a tube with length-to-diameter ratio of 132.4 mm-to-66.2 mm (aspect ratio of 2:1). Further, the sensitivity of EIT to damage improved with decreasing tube aspect ratio. EIT was also successful in detecting sub-surface damage induced by low velocity impacts. These results indicate that EIT has much greater potential for composite SHM and NDE than prevailing work limited to planar geometries suggest.</p> </div> <br>

Leaf springs are a part of the suspension system attached between the axle and the chassis of the vehicle to support weight and provide shock absorbing capacity of the vehicle. For more than half a century the leaf springs are being made of steel which increases the weight of the vehicle and is prone to rusting and failure. The current study explores the feasibility of composite leaf spring to reduce weight by designing, manufacturing and testing the leaf spring for the required load cases. An off the shelf leaf spring of Ford F-150 is chosen for making of composite hybrid spring prototype. The composite hybrid prototype was made by replacing all the leaves with glass fiber unidirectional laminate except the first leaf. Fatigue tests are then done on steel and composite hybrid leaf spring to observe the failure locations and mechanism if any. High frequency fatigue tests were then done on composite beams with varying aspect ratio in a displacement-controlled mode to observe fatigue location and mechanism of just glass fiber composite laminate. It was observed that specimens with low aspect ratio failed from crack propagation initiated from stress concentrations at the loading tip in 3-point cyclic flexure test and shear forces played a dominant role in propagation of crack. Specimens with high aspect ratio under the same loading did not fail in cyclic loading and preserved the same stiffness as before the cyclic loading. The preliminary fatigue results for high aspect ratio composite beams predict a promising future for multi-leaf composite springs.

A versatilidade das espumas poliuretanas permite sua aplicação em inúmeros setores industriais, devido à possibilidade de se obter diferentes conjuntos de propriedades apenas alterando sua formulação básica. Um tipo recorrente de alteração é a incorporação de diferentes tipos de fibras em matrizes de poliuretano, vastamente estudada com o objetivo de gerar materiais compósitos com melhores propriedades mecânicas do que a matriz original. Inúmeros autores reportaram a utilização de celulose cristalina como uma alternativa renovável aos agentes de reforço e revelaram que a celulose utilizada como aditivo em matrizes poliméricas afetou as propriedades mecânicas da matriz original e, em menor escala, exerceu influência sobre a estabilidade térmica do compósito. O presente trabalho dedicou-se a isolar a celulose cristalina contida nas fibras de bananeira mediante tratamento com ácido acético concentrado. Os tratamentos químicos são necessários para modificar a superfície do material e melhorar a adesão do agente de reforço à matriz. Tendo em vista os resultados associados à estabilidade térmica dos compósitos de poliuretano reforçados com celulose, buscou-se sintetizar materiais híbridos de celulose e MgO.nH2O. Foi observado que, mesmo em pequenas quantidades, a presença do óxido hidratado de magnésio afetou significativamente a estabilidade térmica do HB 98:2. Estudos térmicos indicam que os materiais compósitos estudados apresentaram comportamento semelhante ao da matriz PU. Estudos das propriedades compressivas dos materiais poliméricos gerados mostraram que a incorporação do HB 98:2 ao PU afetou positivamente as propriedades mecânicas do material, sendo que o compósito PU + 1 HB 98:2 apresentou desempenho mecânico superior ao da matriz pura. / The versatility of polyurethanes foams allows its application in numerous industries because of the possibility of obtaining different sets of properties just by changing its basic formulation. A recurrent type of modification is the incorporation of different types of fibers in polyurethane matrices widely studied with the objective of generating composite materials with better mechanical properties than the original matrix. Numerous authors have reported the use of crystalline cellulose as a renewable alternative to fillers and showed that the cellulose used as additive in polymer matrices affect the mechanical properties of the original matrix and, to a lesser extent, influence upon thermal stability of the composite. This work was dedicated to isolate the crystalline cellulose contained in banana fibers by treatment with concentrated acetic acid. The chemical treatments are needed to modify the surface of the material and improve adhesion of the filler to the matrix. In view of the results associated with the thermal stability of the composite polyurethane reinforced with cellulose, sought to synthesize hybrid materials cellulose and MgO.nH2O. It has been observed that even in small quantities, the presence of hydrated magnesium oxide significantly affect the thermal stability of HB 98: 2. thermal studies indicate that the studied composites showed similar behavior to the PU matrix. Studies of the compressive properties of polymeric materials generated showed that the incorporation of HB 98: 2 to PU positively affect the mechanical properties of the material, and the composite PU + HB 98 1: 2 had mechanical performance superior to that of pure matrix.

Estudos sobre a inserção de complexos oxindolimínicos de cobre(II) ou zinco(II) em argilas sintéticas beidelitas foram desenvolvidos visando obter carregadores inorgânicos capazes de promover a liberação modificada de metalofármacos. Investigações anteriores mostraram que os complexos estudados são promissores agentes antitumorais. São capazes de se ligar ao DNA, nas alças menor ou maior dependendo do ligante, causando danos oxidativos através da formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs), especialmente radicais hidroxil, no caso de complexos de cobre, que apresentam atividade redox. Também interagem com mitocôndrias levando a uma diminuição do potencial de membrana e atuando como agentes desacopladores. Constituem assim compostos indutores de apoptose ou morte celular programada. Adicionalmente inibem proteínas envolvidas no ciclo celular, como topoisomerase I humana e quinases dependentes de ciclina (CDK1 e CDK2). As beidelitas foram sintetizadas e caracterizadas por métodos já descritos na literatura. Posteriormente, em presença dos complexos, formaram materiais híbridos do tipo beidellita/[complexo]. A caracterização das argilas e dos materiais híbridos obtidos foi realizada usando diferentes técnicas: espectroscopias UV/Vis, IV e EPR, análise termogravimétrica, difratometria de raios X. Na caracterização dos complexos utilizou-se ainda espectrometria de massas (ESI-MS). Os materiais híbridos preparados mostraram-se estáveis e capazes de inviabilizar células tumorais (HeLa), no caso dos materiais híbridos com compostos de cobre(II), com IC50 na faixa de 0,11 a 0,41 mg/mL. Ao contrário, os compostos análogos de zinco(II) e as argilas puras mostraram-se não-tóxicas frente às mesmas células. Os resultados obtidos indicam uma promissora possibilidade de uso das beidellitas como carregadores destes complexos metálicos. / Studies on the insertion of oxindolimine complexes of copper(II) or zinc(II) in synthetic beidellites clays have been developed to obtain an inorganic support capable of promoting the modified-release of metallopharmaceuticals. Previous investigations have shown that the studied complexes are promising antitumor agents. They are able to bind to DNA, in the minor or major groves, causing oxidative damage via formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydroxyl radicals, in the case of copper complexes, which have redox properties. They also interact with mitochondria leading to a decrease of membrane potential and acting as decoupling agent. Thus, these compounds can induce apoptosis or programmed cell death. Additionally, they inhibit proteins involved in the cell cycle, such as human topoisomerase I and cyclin dependent kinases (CDK1 and CDK2). The beidellites were synthesized and characterized by methods described in the literature. Additionally, in the presence of these complexes were obtained hybrid materials type beidellita/[complex]. The characterization of clays and the obtained hybrid materials were performed using different techniques: spectroscopy UV/Vis, IR and EPR, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction. In the characterization of the complexes mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was also used. The prepared hybrid materials were stable and able to derail tumor cells (HeLa) in the case of hybrid materials with copper(II) compounds, with IC50 in the range from 0.11 to 0.41 mg/mL. Unlikely, the analogous compounds of zinc(II) and pure clays have proved to be non-toxic facing the same cells. These results indicate a promising possibility of using the beidellites as carriers of these antitumor metal complexes

Neste trabalho focou-se na preparação de materiais com aplicação em processos de tratamento de compostos orgânicos poluentes. Especificamente, buscou-se correlacionar as propriedades físicas e químicas dos materiais com as suas respostas catalíticas nos processos de fotocatálise heterogênea e de ozonização. Empregando-se o método de precipitação, preparou-se óxidos mistos de TiO2 e CeO2 em diferentes proporções. A caracterização destes materiais mostrou uma correlação entre a formação de partículas anisotrópicas, com morfologia do tipo bastão, e a capacidade de degradação de fenol pelo processo de fotocatálise heterogênea. Em particular, obteve-se 70% de degradação de fenol para o material com 20% CeO2. A interação entre o TiO2 e CeO2 também foi estudada em materiais preparados pelo método sol-gel. A presença do CeO2 retardou a transformação do polimorfo anatásio para rutilo, bem como manteve a estrutura de poros quando os matareriais foram calcinados a 650 ºC. Esta maior estabilidade possui relação com as propriedades fotocatalíticas dos materiais calcinados. Degradou-se 77% de fenol com o fotocatalisador 0,5% CeO2. Fotocatalisadores híbridos de SiMgOx e TiO2 foram preparados pela deposição de diferentes quantidades de TiO2 em placas de sepiolitas por slip-casting. Avaliou-se os materiais híbridos na degradação de ar contaminado com tricloroetileno (TCE) pelo processo de fotocatálise heterogênea. Observou-se uma dependência entre a espessura da camada de TiO2 e a taxa de degradação e mineralização do TCE, obtendo-se até 100% de degradação do TCE. Os materiais híbridos também tiveram suas propriedades catalíticas avaliadas na fotodegradação de TCE utilizando radiação solar. A combinação das propriedades de adsorção da sepiolita e fotocatalíticas do TiO2 possibilitaram 100% de degradação do TCE via incidência de radiação solar. O estudo de materiais híbridos também foi realizado com a preparação de esferas híbridas de carbono e CeO2. Este novo material foi preparado em uma única etapa, pelo método hidrotermal, sem a necessidade de emprego de solventes orgânicos. As esferas híbridas foram aplicadas na degradação de solução aquosa de ácido salicílico pelo processo de ozonização. As esferas eram, possívelmente, formadas por um core de carbono com nanopartículas de CeO2 dispersas em sua superfície hidrofílica. O efeito sinérgico entre a estrutura de carbono e o CeO2 resultou em um aumento de 25% na mineralização da solução de ácido salicílico pelo processo de ozonização. / This study was focused on the preparation of materials applied to the treatment of organic pollutant compounds. The main idea was to correlate the physical and chemical properties of these materials with their catalytic responses in heterogeneous photocatalysis and ozonation processes. Using the precipitation method, TiO2 and CeO2 mixed oxides were prepared in different proportions. The characterization of these materials showed a correlation between the formation of anisotropic rod-like particles and the capacity of degradation of phenol by a heterogeneous photocatalysis process. It was actived 70% of phenol degradation using the material with 20% CeO2. The interaction between TiO2 and CeO2 was also studied in materials prepared by the sol-gel method. The presence of CeO2 retarded the transition from anatase to rutile polymorphic, as well as maintained the porous structure when the materials were calcinated at 650 ºC. This major stability is related to the photocatalytic properties of the calcinated materials. For instance, 77% of the phenol was degraded using the 0.5% CeO2 photocatalyst. Hybrid photocatalysts composed by SiMgOx and TiO2 were prepared by depositing different amounts of TiO2 on sepiolite plates by slip-casting method. The performances of hybrid materials were evaluated by the degradation of contaminated air with trichloroethylene (TCE) using the heterogeneous photocatalysis process. A correlation between the thickness of the TiO2 layer and the degradation and mineralization rates of TCE was observed, obtaining up to 100% degradation of the TCE. Also, the catalytic properties of the hybrid materials were evaluated by TCE photodegration using solar radiation. A combination of the adsorption properites of the sepiolite and the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 allowed up to 100% of TCE degradation under incidence of solar radiation. The study of hybrid materials was also carried out with the preparation of carbon and CeO2 hybrid spheres. This novel material was prepared in one-pot step, using the hydrothermal method, without organic solvents. The hybrid spheres were used in the degradation of aqueous solution of salicylic acid by the ozonization process. The spheres were possibly formed by a core containing carbon with CeO2 nanoparticles dispersed on their hydrophilic surface.The synergetic effect between the carbon structure and the CeO2 resulted in an increase of 25% in the salicylic acid solution mineralization.

<div> <p><a>Polymer nanocomposites are envisioned for use in many advanced applications, such as structural industries, aerospace, automotive technology and electronic materials, due to the improved properties like mechanical strengthening, thermal and chemical stability, easy bulk processing, and/or light-weight instigated by the filler-matrix combination compared to the neat matrix. In recent years, due to increasing environmental concerns, many industries are inclining towards developing sustainable and renewable polymer nanocomposites. Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs), including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), have gained popularity due to their excellent mechanical properties and eco-friendliness (extracted from trees, algae, plants etc.). However, to develop CN-reinforced nanocomposites with industrial applications it is necessary to understand impact of hygroscopic swelling (which has very limited </a>quantitative study at present), aspect ratio, orientation, and content of CNs on the overall performance of nanocomposites; and overcome the low dispersibility of CNs and improve their compatibility with hydrophobic matrix. In this work, we attempt to understand the influence of single nanocrystals in the hygroscopic and optical response exhibited by nanostructured films; effect of CNCs on the properties of PVA/CNC fibers by experimental evidence with mathematical modeling predictions; and hydrophobized CNFs using a facile, aqueous surface modification to improve interfacial compatibility with epoxy. </p><p><br></p> <p>To evaluate the effect of CNC alignment in the bulk response to hygroscopic expansion, self-organized and shear-oriented CNC films were prepared under two different mechanisms. The coefficient of hygroscopic swelling (CHS) of these films was determined by using a new contact-free method of Contrast Enhanced Microscopy Digital Image Correlation (CEMDIC) that enabled the characterization of dimensional changes induced by hygroscopic swelling of the films. This method can be readily used for other soft materials to accurately measure hygroscopic strain in a non-destructive way. By calculating the CHS values of CNC films, it was determined that hygroscopic swelling is highly dependent on the alignment of nanocrystals within the films, with aligned CNC films showing dramatically reduced hygroscopic expansion than randomly oriented films. Finite element analysis was used to simulate moisture sorption and kinetics profile which further predicted moisture diffusion as the predominant mechanism for swelling of CNC films. </p> <p><br></p><p>To study the effects of different types and aspect ratios of CNCs on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite <a>fibers, CNCs extracted from wood pulp and cotton were reinforced into PVA to produce fibers by dry-jet-wet spinning. The fibers were collected as-spun and with first stage drawing up to draw ratio 2. </a>The elastic modulus and tensile strength of the fibers improved with increasing CNC content (5 – 15 wt. %) at the expense of their strain-to-failure. The mechanical properties of fibers with cotton CNC were higher than the fibers with wood CNC when the same amount of CNCs were added due to their higher aspect ratio. The degree of orientation along the spun fiber axis was quantified by 2D X-ray diffraction. As expected, the CNC orientation correlates to the mechanical properties of the composite fibers. Micromechanical models were used to predict the fiber performance and compare with experimental results. Finally, surface and cross-sectional morphologies of fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy.</p><p><br></p> <p>To improve the dispersibility and compatibility of CNFs with epoxy, CNFs were modified by using a two-step water-based method where tannic acid (TA) acts as a primer with CNF suspension and reacts with hexadecylamine (HDA), forming the modified product as CNF-TA-HDA. The modified (-m) and unmodified (-um) CNFs were filled into hydrophobic epoxy resin with a co-solvent (acetone), which was subsequently removed to form a solvent-free two component epoxy system, followed by addition of hardener to cure the resin. Better dispersion and stronger adhesion between fillers and epoxy were obtained for m-CNF than the um-CNF, resulting in better mechanical properties of nanocomposites at the same loading. Thermal stability and the degradation temperature of m-CNF/epoxy improved when compared to neat epoxy. </p> </div> <br>

We present the synthesis and characterisation of novel single organic molecules known as phenoxylene borazines and borazatruxenes. Using temperature-dependant and concentration-dependant 1H NMR, we probe the supramolecular aggregation of these molecules in solution. Finally, we synthesise 2D hybrid material comprised of electron delocalised benzene rings and electron localised borazine rings. Using a combination of solid-state 11B and 13C NMR techniques, Raman spectroscopy and XPS, we confirm the presence of benzene and borazine regions in these novel materials.