Heterogeneous catalysts form a highly important part of everyday life, ranging from the production of fertiliser enabling the growth of crops that sustain much of the world's population to the production of synthetic fuels. They constitute a key part of the chemical industry and contribute towards substantial economic and environmental benefits. Heterogeneous catalysts are also believed to have an important role to play in a future hydrogen economy, reducing our requirements for fossil fuels. To this end, formic acid has been proposed as a potential hydrogen storage material for small portable devices. Additionally, formic acid has historically been used as a probe molecule to study catalyst materials and recent developments in the knowledge of its decomposition pathways and the preferred sites of these reactions, establish a good foundation for further study. This work explores a range of novel modification techniques that alter the activity of Pd nanoparticles to decompose formic acid to H₂ and CO₂. The methods used are the addition of polymers, attaching various functional groups to the surface of the catalyst support and decoration of nanoparticles with sub-monolayer coverages of another metal. Using a range of characterisation methods including FTIR of an adsorbed CO probe, XRD and XPS coupled with computational modelling, it is found that these methods result in some significant electronic and/or geometric alterations to the Pd nanoparticles. For polymer modification, the nature of the pendent group is highly important in determining the effects of the polymer on the Pd particles, with all the tested polymers resulting in varying degrees of electronic donation to the Pd surface. The geometric modifications caused by the polymers also varied with pendent groups; with amine containing pendent groups found to selectively block low coordinate sites, preventing the undesired dehydration of formic acid which results in poisoning of the Pd catalyst by the resulting CO. Attachment of amine groups to the surface of metal oxide catalyst supports, is demonstrated to result in dramatic electronic promotional effects to the supported Pd nanoparticles, and when an amine polymer is attached to the support surface the geometric modification is again observed. Finally decoration of Pd nanoparticles with a sub-monolayer coverage of a second metal is examined, resulting in some similar electronic and geometric effects on Pd nanoparticle surfaces to those observed with polymer modification with corresponding changes in formic acid decomposition activity. Overall, a number of methods are displayed to tune the catalytic activity and selectivity of Pd nanoparticles for formic acid decomposition, resulting in catalysts with some of the highest reported TOF's at room temperature. These modification methods are believed to be potentially applicable to a wide range of other catalytic reactions that operate under mild conditions.

Le but de cette étude était la compréhension des mécanismes de stockage de l'hydrogène etl'amélioration de la capacité de stockage dans (1) le magnésium et (2) les composés intermétalliques àbase de bore.(1) Les poudres de magnésium avec ajout de 10% massique d’oxyde de magnésium ont étébroyées à l'aide d'un broyeur planétaire à billes, par broyage mécanique réactif sous atmosphèred'hydrogène (10 bars) pendant 10 heures, en variant deux paramètres: la vitesse de broyage et le nombrede billes utilisées (i.e., le rapport massique poudre : billes). Il semblerait que les poudres broyées à250rpm en utilisant 17 billes (rapport de 1: 13) présentent des performances supérieures en termes de:taille des particules, contenu en MgH2 après broyage, surface spécifique et cinétiquesd'absorption/désorption de l'hydrogène. Nous avons vérifié que l'oxyde de magnésium a un effet deretardement significatif de la croissance des grains. Le calcul des énergies d'activation et l'étude descinétiques ont montré que l'oxyde de magnésium ne joue pas de rôle catalyseur pour la sorptiond'hydrogène.(2) Les composes synthétisés dans les systèmes ternaires La-MT-B, Gd-MT-B et Y-MT-B (MT=Ni,Fe, Co) ont été étudiés en termes de leur structure cristalline, composition chimique et propriétés desorption de l'hydrogène. La majorité des composés obtenus dans ces systèmes cristallisent avec unestructure type CeCo4B, avec des paramètres de maille proches de ceux du composé GdNi4B. Leremplacement total du Ni par des atomes de Fe et/ou Co est possible, indiquant l’existence d’une solutionsolide totale entre TRNi4B et TRFe4B ou TRCo4B. En outre, le bore est supposé occuper partiellementdeux sites cristallographiques différents, mais l’un seul d'entre eux est principalement occupé par le bore.La nouvelle phase GdNi2,5B2,5 a également été observée dans cette étude pour la première fois. Unephase pseudo-binaire GdB3 a été également reportée. Enfin, il est montré que seul le composé LaNi4Babsorbe l'hydrogène, quoique de manière irréversible. / The aim of this study was the comprehension of hydrogen storage mechanisms and theimprovement of storage capacity in (1) magnesium and (2) boron based intermetallic compounds.(1) Magnesium powders with 10 wt.% magnesium oxide were milled using a planetary ball mill, byreactive mechanical grinding under hydrogen atmosphere (10 bar) for 10 hours, varying two parameters:the milling speed and the number of balls used (i.e. the powder-to-ball weight ratio). It appears that thepowders milled at 250 rpm using 17 balls (ratio 1: 13) have superior performances in terms of: particlesize, MgH2 content after milling, specific surface area and hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics. Wehave verified that the magnesium oxide has a significant effect on grain growth, delaying it. Calculation ofthe activation energies and study of the kinetics showed that magnesium oxide does not play a catalyticrole for hydrogen sorption.(2) The compounds synthesized in the ternary systems La-TM-B, Gd-TM-B and Y-TM-B (TM=Ni,Fe, Co) were studied in terms of their crystal structure, chemical composition and hydrogen sorptionproperties. Most of the compounds obtained in these systems crystallize with a CeCo4B-type structure,with lattice parameters close to those of the compound GdNi4B. A total replacement of Ni by Fe and/or Cois sometimes possible, meaning that a total solid solution exists between RENi4B and REFe4B or RECo4B.Also, the boron is assumed to partially occupy two different crystallographic sites, although only one ofthese is mainly occupied by boron. The new phase GdNi2.5B2.5 was also observed in this study for the firsttime. In addition, a pseudo-binary phase GdB3 is observed. Finally, it is reported that only the compoundLaNi4B absorbs hydrogen, albeit irreversibly.

Les applications portables et stationnaires des accumulateurs Ni-MH nécessitent sans cesse des autonomies de plus en plus importantes. Cet accroissement d’autonomie peut être obtenu en développant de nouveaux composés intermétalliques hydrurables de type ABx (3<x<4) de plus grande capacité massique. Le groupe A de ces composés est constitué de La partiellement substitué par du Mg, qui est beaucoup plus léger et diminue la masse molaire de l’alliage, et le groupe B contenant du Ni partiellement substitué par d’autres éléments de transition. Après une étude bibliographique approfondie, le travail de cette thèse consiste à rechercher tout d’abord les conditions optimales d’élaboration d’intermétalliques de composition La1-yMgyNix (0<y<1 ; 3<x<4). Puis ces composés sont caractérisés du point de vue structural et physico chimique (diffraction des rayons X et microsonde électronique), et leurs propriétés vis-à-vis de l’hydrogène (réaction solide-gaz et électrochimique) sont étudiées / Mobile and stationary applications for Ni-MH batteries require continuously more and more energy density. This increased autonomy can be obtained by developing new hydride-forming compounds of ABx-type (3<x<4) with larger weight capacities. The A element of these compounds is constituted of La partially substituted by light Mg, allowing a reduced molar weight. The B element is made of Ni that can be partially substituted by other transition metals. After an extensive bibliographic study, this thesis presents the research work to find optimum conditions for the synthesis of Mg-containing intermetallic compounds La1-yMgyNix (0<y<1; 3<x<4). These compounds are then characterized from the structural and chemical point of views (X-ray diffraction and microprobe analysis) and their hydrogen-related properties are studied and compared (solid-gas and electrochemical reactions)

Les matériaux nanocomposites poreux organisés présentent de nombreuses propriétés dans le domaine de l’adsorption. Cette étude est portée sur la synthèse de matériaux poreux de grande aire spécifique fonctionnalisés par des nanoparticules métalliques en visant des applications dans le domaine de l’adsorption: en phase liquide et en phase gazeuse.La première application concerne la détection en phase liquide de molécules à de faibles concentrations. Des nanocomposites composés d’une matrice poreuse de silice dans laquelle sont insérées des nanoparticules de métaux nobles (i.e. Ag@SiO2 et Au@SiO2) sont étudiés comme substrats SERS en couplant thermodynamique et spectroscopie Raman. Ce couplage de l’étude de la réponse Raman et de l’étude thermodynamique de l’adsorption a conduit à une meilleure compréhension de l’influence des particules sur le seuil de détection de la molécule. L’influence de plusieurs paramètres sur la réponse Raman de la molécule sonde et sur ses propriétés d’adsorption a aussi été étudiée (la taille des particules, la nature chimique du métal, etc.).La seconde application concerne le stockage d’hydrogène. Des nanocomposites composés de matrices poreuses de silice ou de carbone dans lesquelles sont incorporées des nanoparticules d’un métal de transition (i.e. Ni@SiO2 et Ni@Carbone) sont étudiés comme matériaux de stockage en couplant manométrie et microcalorimétrie d’adsorption. La mise en place d’une méthode de réduction adaptée a constitué une étape importante de ce travail. Ce couplage d’études thermodynamiques de l’adsorption a permis de déterminer les propriétés d’adsorption de l’hydrogène à basse température et basses pressions de ces matériaux. / Nanocomposite organized porous materials present many properties in particular in the field of adsorption. This study was based on the synthesis of porous materials of high specific surface area functionalized with metal nanoparticles focusing in particular on two applications in the field of adsorption: one in the liquid phase and the other one in the gas phase.The first application is the detection of molecules in the liquid phase at low concentrations. Nanocomposites composed of a porous silica matrix in which are inserted noble metal nanoparticles (i.e. Ag@SiO2 and Au@SiO2) are studied as SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering) substrates by coupling thermodynamics and Raman spectroscopy. The coupling of the Raman response study and the thermodynamics of adsorption study leads to a better understanding of the influence of the particles on the molecule detection threshold. The influence of various parameters on the Raman response of the probe molecule and its adsorption properties were also studied (the particle size, the chemical nature of the metal, etc.)The second application relates to the storage of hydrogen since Nanocomposites composed of porous silica or carbon matrices in which are incorporated transition metal nanoparticles (i.e. Ni@SiO2 and Ni@Carbon) were studied as storage materials by coupling the adsorption manometry and microcalorimetry. The establishment of a suitable reduction method was an important step in this work. This coupling of thermodynamic studies of the adsorption was used to determine the adsorption properties of hydrogen at low temperature and low pressures of these materials.

Neste trabalho, avaliou-se inicialmente o efeito da substituição de elementos em ligas à base de LaMgAlMnCoNi do tipo AB5 com adição de estanho (Sn) e cobre (Cu) em substituição ao cobalto (Co), para utilização em ligas absorvedoras de hidrogênio e em eletrodos negativos de baterias de Ni-HM. Avaliou-se a influência desta substituição na microestrutura do material. Notou-se que o aumento da concentração de estanho promove a formação da fase LaNiSn nas ligas, bem como a diminuição das duas fases principais: LaNi5 e (La,Mg)Ni3. Adicionalmente, utilizou-se o refinamento de Rietveld para quantificar as fases em cada composição. Posteriormente, propôs-se um estudo da absorção de hidrogênio. Notou-se que a liga com cobalto apresentou a melhor capacidade de absorção de hidrogênio. Ademais, verificou-se o comportamento destas ligas na capacidade de descarga, estabilidade cíclica e na alta taxa de descarga de baterias de Ni-HM. A maior capacidade de descarga medida foi para a liga de cobalto, atingindo 337,1 mAh/g. Notou-se, posteriormente uma melhora na estabilidade cíclica das baterias com o aumento do teor de cobre. Além disso, observou-se que a alta taxa de descarga apresenta melhores valores com a adição de cobre na composição. Por fim, avaliou-se o efeito da susceptibilidade a corrosão. Notou-se que o estanho promove um aumento na resistência à corrosão das ligas em eletrólito alcalino. / In this work, it has firstly been evaluated the effect of tin (Sn) and copper (Cu) substituting cobalt (Co) in LaMgAlMnCoNi AB5-type alloys for use in hydrogen storage materials and negative electrodes of Ni-MH batteries. The influence of this substitution on the microstructure of these materials has been evaluated. It could be noted that increasing the tin concentration promotes the formation of LaNiSn phase and decrease of two main phases of these alloys: LaNi5 and (La,Mg)Ni3. Additionally, the Rietveld refinement has been evaluated to quantify phases in each composition. Subsequently, it has been proposed a study of the hydrogen absorption in these alloys. It could be observed that the cobalt alloy showed the best hydrogen absorption capacity. Moreover, the behavior of these alloys has been investigated in the discharge capacity, cyclic stability and high rate dischargeability of Ni-MH batteries. The highest discharge capacity has been measured for cobalt alloy, reaching 337.1 mAh/g. It has been noted, further improvement in the cyclic stability batteries with increasing copper content in the alloys. Furthermore, it has been observed that the high rate dischargeability has better values with the addition of copper in the composition. Finally, it has been evaluated the effect of susceptibility to corrosion. It has been noted that tin promotes an increase in corrosion resistance of the alloys in an alkaline electrolyte.

Neste trabalho foram estudadas ligas La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0,7) no estado bruto de fusão, para utilização em eletrodos negativos de baterias de níquel-hidreto metálico (Ni-HM). A caracterização das ligas foi realizada através das seguintes técnicas: microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectroscopia de energia dispersiva (EDS) e difração de raios X. Foi também determinada capacidade de absorção de hidrogênio destas ligas. A hidrogenação do material foi realizada em dois processos sendo: o primeiro denominado de baixa pressão (0,2 MPa de hidrogênio e temperatura de 500ºC) e o segundo de alta pressão (1 MPa e de hidrogênio e temperatura de 25ºC). Foi observado que com o aumento do teor de Pr a capacidade de absorção de hidrogênio diminui. Para o estudo da capacidade de descarga das baterias foi utilizado um analisador digital de quatro canais e observou-se um decréscimo na capacidade de descarga das baterias com adição de praseodímio para as composições La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0,3). A maior capacidade de descarga (386 mAhg-1) e estabilidade cíclica foi obtida para a liga La0,2Pr0,5Mg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8. Esta capacidade obtida pode estar relacionada com a maior proporção da fase LaMg2Ni9 encontrada na liga com adição de 0,5 % at. de Pr. / The La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0.7) as-cast alloys to apply in negative electrodes for nickel-metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH). The characterizations of the alloys were realized by: scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction techniques. A study of hydrogen absorption capacity of the alloys realized. The hydrogenation of the material was performed in two processes: the low pressure (0.2 MPa of hydrogen and temperature of the 773 K) and high pressure (1 MPa of hydrogen and temperature of the 298 K). It was observed that with increasing Pr content occurred a decrease the hydrogen absorption capacity. The capacity of discharge of the batteries was determined utilizing an analyzer digital computerized composed of four channels. It was observed decreases of the discharge capacity of the batteries when increase praseodymium content in La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0.3) alloys. The highest discharge capacity (386 mAhg-1) and stability cyclic were obtained to La0.2Pr0.5Mg0.3Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.5Ni3.8 alloy. This capacity can be related to the higher proportion of phase LaMg2Ni9 in the alloy with the addition of 0.5 at.% Pr.

Neste trabalho foram estudadas ligas La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0,7) no estado bruto de fusão, para utilização em eletrodos negativos de baterias de níquel-hidreto metálico (Ni-HM). A caracterização das ligas foi realizada através das seguintes técnicas: microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectroscopia de energia dispersiva (EDS) e difração de raios X. Foi também determinada capacidade de absorção de hidrogênio destas ligas. A hidrogenação do material foi realizada em dois processos sendo: o primeiro denominado de baixa pressão (0,2 MPa de hidrogênio e temperatura de 500ºC) e o segundo de alta pressão (1 MPa e de hidrogênio e temperatura de 25ºC). Foi observado que com o aumento do teor de Pr a capacidade de absorção de hidrogênio diminui. Para o estudo da capacidade de descarga das baterias foi utilizado um analisador digital de quatro canais e observou-se um decréscimo na capacidade de descarga das baterias com adição de praseodímio para as composições La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0,3). A maior capacidade de descarga (386 mAhg-1) e estabilidade cíclica foi obtida para a liga La0,2Pr0,5Mg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8. Esta capacidade obtida pode estar relacionada com a maior proporção da fase LaMg2Ni9 encontrada na liga com adição de 0,5 % at. de Pr. / The La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0.7) as-cast alloys to apply in negative electrodes for nickel-metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH). The characterizations of the alloys were realized by: scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction techniques. A study of hydrogen absorption capacity of the alloys realized. The hydrogenation of the material was performed in two processes: the low pressure (0.2 MPa of hydrogen and temperature of the 773 K) and high pressure (1 MPa of hydrogen and temperature of the 298 K). It was observed that with increasing Pr content occurred a decrease the hydrogen absorption capacity. The capacity of discharge of the batteries was determined utilizing an analyzer digital computerized composed of four channels. It was observed decreases of the discharge capacity of the batteries when increase praseodymium content in La0,7-xPrxMg0,3Al0,3Mn0,4Co0,5Ni3,8 (x= 0 a 0.3) alloys. The highest discharge capacity (386 mAhg-1) and stability cyclic were obtained to La0.2Pr0.5Mg0.3Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.5Ni3.8 alloy. This capacity can be related to the higher proportion of phase LaMg2Ni9 in the alloy with the addition of 0.5 at.% Pr.

Neste trabalho investigou-se a obtenção do composto TiFe a partir da moagem de alta energia de misturas de pós de TiH2 e Fe, seguida de aquecimento sob vácuo para a reação de síntese. No lugar do Ti, o TiH2 foi escolhido como precursor em razão de sua fragilidade, benéfica para a diminuição da aderência dos pós ao ferramental de moagem. Foram preparados dois lotes de misturas obedecendo-se a relação Ti:Fe de 50:50 e 56:44. Ambos foram processados em um moinho do tipo planetário por tempos que variaram de 5 até 40 horas, sob atmosfera de argônio de elevada pureza. Em todos os experimentos foram mantidos constantes a velocidade de rotação do prato do moinho, a quantidade de amostra, o diâmetro e o número de bolas. As amostras moídas foram caracterizadas por calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), termogravimetria (TG), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), difração de raios X (DRX) e fluorescência de raios X por dispersão de energia (EDXRF). Apenas TiH2 e Fe foram observados nas amostras moídas, com um grau crescente de mistura em função do tempo de moagem. O composto TiFe nanoestruturado (12,5 a 21,4nm) foi obtido de forma majoritária em todas as amostras após a reação de síntese promovida pelo tratamento térmico a 600ºC (873K). As amostras reagidas foram caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) e DRX. Um equipamento do tipo Sievert, operando sob um fluxo constante (modo dinâmico), foi utilizado para levantar as curvas termodinâmicas de absorção e dessorção de hidrogênio. Todas as amostras absorveram hidrogênio à temperatura ambiente (~298K) sem a necessidade de ciclos térmicos de ativação. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos com as amostras moídas por 25 e 40 horas, de composição não estequiométrica 56:44. Tais amostras absorveram e dessorveram hidrogênio à temperatura ambiente, sob os platôs de aproximadamente 6,4 e 2,2bar (~0,6 e 0,2MPa), respectivamente. A capacidade máxima de armazenamento foi de 1,06% em massa de hidrogênio (H:M~0,546), sob pressão de até 11bar (1,1MPa), com reversão de até 1,085% em massa de hidrogênio (H:M~0,559), sob pressão de até 1bar (0,1MPa). Estas amostras também apresentaram maior cinética de absorção e dessorção de hidrogênio com fluxos de 1,23 (25h) e 2,86cm3/g.min. (40h). Tais resultados são atribuídos à variação composicional da fase TiFe e à maior quantidade de TiH2 livre. / In this work high-energy ball milling from TiH2 and Fe powder mixtures, followed by post-heating under vacuum, were performed for the reaction synthesis of TiFe compound. TiH2 was used instead of Ti due to its brittleness, preventing strong particles adhesion to the grinding balls and vial walls. Two mixtures batches were prepared following Ti:Fe ratios of 50:50 and 56:44. Both of them were dry-milled in a planetary mill for times ranging from 5 to 40 hours, under high purity argon atmosphere. The speed of main disk rotation, the amount of sample, number and diameter of the balls were kept constant in all experiments. As-milled samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). As-milled materials presented only Fe and TiH2 phases showing increased mixture degree with the milling time. After heat treatment at 600ºC (873K), nanostructured TiFe compound (12.5 to 21.4nm) was mostly formed in all samples. Reacted samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and XRD. Hydrogen absorption and desorption thermodynamics curves were determined in a Sievert-type apparatus operating at constant flow (dynamic mode). All samples absorbed hydrogen at room temperature (~298K) requiring no thermal activation cycles. Best results were seen on samples milled at 25 and 40 hours, with non-stoichiometric composition 56:44. Those samples absorbed and desorbed hydrogen at plateaus of 6.4 and 2.2bar (~0.6 and 0.2MPa), respectively. Maximum hydrogen storage capacity was 1.06 wt% (H:M~0,546) at 11bar (1.1MPa), with reversion of 1.085 wt% (H:M~0,559) at 1bar (0.1MPa). Higher hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics were observed in those samples, as well, with flows of 1.23 (25h) and 2.86cm3/g.min. (40h). Such results were assigned to the compositional variation of TiFe phase and to the largest amount of free TiH2.

Une porosité hiérarchisée au sein de mousses solides permet la combinaison des avantages offerts par différentes échelles de structuration : les macropores offrent un grand volume poreux et une diffusion facilitée des réactifs, tandis que mésopores et micropores permettent confinement et grande surface spécifique. La chimie intégrative, en associant la matière molle et la chimie douce, dispose d’une variété de voies de synthèse pour obtenir de tels matériaux. Nous avons ainsi utilisé des émulsions et des tensioactifs comme empreintes pour la chimie sol-gel afin d’obtenir des mousses de silice présentant une porosité hiérarchisée. Elles ont ensuite été employées comme empreintes dures pour synthétiser des mousses de carbone, utilisées comme électrodes de batteries lithium-soufre présentant de grandes capacités. Nous avons ensuite étudié l’effet sur leurs performances de nanoparticules métalliques. Ces mousses ont également été testées pour le stockage de l’hydrogène, et nous avons montré un cyclage avec LiBH4 en présence de nanoparticules métalliques. Enfin, les mousses de silices ont été étudiées en tant que support pour la croissance bactérienne. En effet, lorsque des bactéries croissent dans un milieu confiné, leur cinétique de croissance et leur concentration finale peuvent être totalement différentes de ce qui est observé dans des cultures classiques, ce qui a un grand intérêt dans des domaines comme la biocatalyse. / Hierarchical porosity in solid foams allows the combination of the advantages offered by the different scales of structuration : macropores allow high porous volume and easy diffusion of reagents, while mesopores and micropores allow confinement and high specific surface areas. Integrative chemistry, associating soft matter and soft chemistry, offers a variety of synthetic pathways to generate such materials. We used emulsions and surfactants to template sol-gel chemistry in order to obtain silica foams bearing hierarchical porosity. These silica foams were employed as hard templates to synthesize carbon foams, used as electrodes in lithium-sulfur batteries bearing high capacities. We then explored the impact on performances of loading them with metallic nanoparticles. We also studied the potential of those carbon foams for hydrogen storage, and we obtained cycling capabilities with LiBH4 after loading them with metallic nanoparticles. Finally, the silica foams were used as a support for bacterial growth. Indeed, when bacteria grow in a confined medium, the kinetics of growth and their final concentration can be totally different than what is observed in classical cultures, which is of high interest for applications such as biocatalysis.

L’hydrogène est un des moyens envisageables pour réduire les émissions des gaz à effet de serre. Celui-ci est un carburant très abondant, et sa combustion est très énergétique que le pétrole (3 fois supérieure au pétrole). L’un des obstacles de son utilisation est son stockage. Le stockage à l’état solide présente de gros avantages en termes de capacité volumique (i.e. 100 à 200 g/L) et de sécurité. L’hydrure de magnésium MgH2 est le candidat qui présente les meilleurs résultats en termes de capacité massique (7,6 %wt.). Cependant, il est défavorisé par des cinétiques d’hydruration lentes et une température d’utilisation élevée (i.e. hydrure très stable).Nous nous sommes intéressés aux intermétalliques riches en magnésium TR-M-Mg (TR = Nd, Gd et M = Cu, Ni). Nous avons mis en évidence 3 nouvelles compositions : NdNiMg5, GdCuMg4 et GdCuMg12. Un traitement post-fusion à 700°C pendant une semaine suivi d’un refroidissement lent à 6°C / h jusqu’à 300°C permet d’obtenir ces phases. Seule la première composition a pu faire l’objet d’une étude complète. Elle présente un ordre antiférromagnétique à 12 K et sa capacité réversible de stockage est de 2,8 wt.%. Un échantillon presque pur pour la phase GdCuMg12 a pu être obtenu (a = 9,9721(8) Å et c = 7,775(6) Å et G.E. P4/m). Dans le cas de GdCuMg4, les mêmes conditions expérimentales nous ont permis d’obtenir un échantillon presque pur. Sa structure n’a pas encore pu être déterminée. / Hydrogen is one of the means to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas emissions. This is a very abundant fuel and its combustion is highly energetic (3 times more than petrol). An obstacle to its use is its storage. Storage in the solid state has significant advantages in terms of volume capacity (100 to 200 g/L) and safety. Magnesium hydride MgH2 is the candidate who shows the best results in terms of specific capacity (7,6 %wt) . However, it is disadvantaged by slow hydrogenation kinetics and high temperature use (very stable hydride). We are interested in intermetallic magnesium rich RE-TM-Mg (RE = Nd, Gd and TM = Cu, Ni). We highlighted three new compositions: NdNiMg5, GdCuMg4 and GdCuMg12. A post- fusion treatment at 700°C for one week followed by slow cooling at 6°C / h up to 300°C allows to obtain these phases. Only the first composition has been the subject of a comprehensive study. It has an antiferromagnetic ordering at 12 K and reversible storage capacity of 2,8 %wt. An almost pure sample for GdCuMg12 phase could be obtained (a = 9,9721(8) Å, c = 7,775(6) Å and space group: P4 / m). In the case of GdCuMg4, the same experimental conditions allowed us to obtain a nearly pure sample. Its structure has not yet been determined