Lobtention dun bon contraste en imagerie médicale est un pré-requis à un examen de qualité. Limagerie médicale basée sur la résonance nucléaire magnétique utilise diverses substances magnétiques comme agent de contraste. Le développement dagents de contraste à la fois plus performants et plus économiques sappuie fortement sur létude fondamentale des propriétés magnétiques de divers matériaux potentiellement utilisables. Dans ce travail, deux voies ont été poursuivies. La première partie est consacrée à des matériaux à transition de spin, qui pourraient être utilisés comme agents de contraste en résonance magnétique, pour autant que leur température de transition soit voisine de celle du corps humain. En effet, ces matériaux ont la particularité de posséder deux états magnétiques différents et, sous linfluence dune perturbation telle que la pression ou la température, peuvent passer dun état à lautre, à savoir létat paramagnétique ou diamagnétique. Les complexes de fer(II) étudiés sont basés sur des ligands tri-pyrazolyl borate et méthane. Une autre voie suivie pour améliorer le diagnostic médical est le développement et lutilisation de nanoparticules magnétiques fonctionnelles pour la détection et/ou le traitement des cellules cancéreuses. Dans la deuxième partie de ce travail, les propriétés magnétiques de nanoparticules ferriques préparées par deux méthodes différentes sont investiguées. La spectroscopie Mössbauer est largement utilisée dans cette thèse et les résultats obtenus par cette technique constituent la contribution principale de lauteur au travail. Cette technique, basée sur la fluorescence résonnante sans recul des rayons gamma, permet létude des interactions hyperfines de matériaux solides contenant du fer. Appliquée aux matériaux à transition de spin et aux nanoparticules, deux champs dapplication bien distincts, la spectroscopie Mössbauer fournit des informations structurelles et magnétiques. Elle complémente admirablement dautres techniques macroscopiques et microscopiques, comme la magnétométrie, la microscopie électronique et la diffraction des rayons X. Les autres techniques qui ont été utilisées par lauteur sont la magnétométrie et la relaxation des muons. Cest la première fois, que cette dernière technique est introduite dans léventail des techniques exploitées à lUniversité de Liège.

As part of this project and in preparation for future experimental studies of gas-phase ion-molecule reactions, extensive modification and characterization of the crossed molecular beam machine in the Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury has been carried out. This instrument has been configured and some preliminary testing completed to enable the future study of gas-phase ion-molecule collisions of H⁺₃ and Y⁻ (Y = F, Cl, Br) with dipole-oriented CZ₃X (Z = H, F and X = F, Cl, Br). Theoretical calculations (ab initio and density functional theory) are reported on previously experimentally characterized Na + CH₃NO₂, Na + CH₃NC, and K + CH₃NC systems, and several other systems of relevance. All gas-phase experimental and theoretical studies have the common theme of studying collision orientation dependence of reaction under singlecollision conditions. Experimental measurements, theoretical simulations and calculations are also reported on some selected ferrous (Fe²⁺) high-spin (S=2) crystals, in an attempt to resolve microscopic contributions of two fundamental macroscopic tensor properties: the electric-field gradient (efg); and the mean square displacement (msd) in the case when more than one symmetry related site of low local point-group symmetry contributes to the same quadrupole doublet. These determinations have been made using the nuclear spectroscopic technique of Mössbauer spectroscopy, and complemented with X-ray crystallographic measurements.

Ce mémoire est consacré à l'étude théorique des matériaux de cathode pour batteries Li-ion de structure olivine LiMPO4 (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), des phases délithiées MPO4 et des phases mixtes LiFexMn1-xPO4, FexMn1-xPO4 et LiFexCo1-xPO4. La stabilité des phases magnétiques et les paramètres de maille théoriques ont été déterminés par la méthode des pseudopotentiels et comparés aux données expérimentales. Les structures électroniques ont été calculées par une méthode « tout électron » et analysées en termes d'hybridation des orbitales atomiques Ces résultats ont permis d'interpréter les spectres de photoélectrons X et d'absorption des rayons X, en particulier les modifications réversibles associées aux cycles de lithiation/délithiation. Les effets de la polarisation de spin et de la corrélation électronique ont été discutés. Enfin, le calcul des paramètres Mössbauer du 57Fe a montré qu'un accord quantitatif entre les résultats théoriques et les données expérimentales nécessitait la prise en compte de ces deux effets. Ce type de calcul a permis de prédire et d'expliquer que la transformation LiFePO4FePO4 s'accompagnait de la variation du gradient de champ électrique Vzz d'une extrémité à l'autre de l'échelle Mössbauer pour 57Fe. / This thesis is devoted to the theoretical study of the cathode materials for Li-ion batteries with olivine structure LiMPO4 (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), the delithiated phases MPO4 and the mixed phases LiFexMn1-xPO4, FexMn1-xPO4 and LiFexCo1-xPO4. The magnetic phase stability and lattice parameters were theoretically determined from pseudopotential calculations and the results have been compared with experiments. Electronic structures were obtained from all electron calculations and analyzed in terms of orbital hybridization. The results have been used for the interpretation of X-ray photoemission and X-ray absorption spectra, especially changes due to lithiation/delithiation cycles. Effects of spin polarization and electronic correlation on the electronic structures have been also discussed. It has been shown that ab initio calculations of the 57Fe Mössbauer parameters also require these two effects in order to obtain a quantitative agreement with experiments. Finally, it was found that LiFePO4FePO4 transformation involves a dramatic change of the electric field gradient VZZ from one end to the other of the 57Fe Mössbauer scale.

This thesis describes the synthesis and characterisation of metal complexes that contain chemically reduced bipyridyl ligands. The crystal structures of twenty-six novel complexes are reported alongside detailed discussions on the electronic and spectroscopic effects and trends associated with the different oxidation states within these species. Chapter One introduces the isomers of bipyridine and their redox chemistry, the concept of non-innocent ligands and the spectroscopic techniques that are currently used in determining ligand oxidation states. Subsequently, examples of main group, transition metal, lanthanide and actinide species that contain or may contain reduced forms of the ligand are discussed. Chapter Two details the synthesis and structural characterisation of alkali metal salts of singly and doubly reduced forms of the three commercially available bipyridine isomers. The effects of this reduction are investigated with the aim of developing diagnostic fingerprints for each of the ligand oxidation states. Chapter Three discusses the synthesis of an homologous series of compounds of the form [M(2,2'-bipy)(mes)₂]^n– where M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and n = 0, 1. Trends in magnetism, bonding and electronic structure are investigated with reference to theoretical calculations and the diagnostic fingerprints identified in the previous chapter. Chapter Four describes the synthesis and characterisation of three compounds containing the isostructural motif [Zn₂(4,4'-bipy)(mes)₄]^n– where n = 0, 1, 2. Structural and spectroscopic changes are discussed and com- pared to theoretical calculations. Chapter Five contains descriptions of the spectroscopic techniques employed in the above research and synthesis routes to all compounds featured in this thesis.

Cette tbese comprend une étude sur les composés AB2O6 qui ont attiré un large intérêt ces dernieres années grâce à leurs propriétés de magnétisme de basse dimensionalité. Pour mieux étudier les propriétes magnétiques et les parametres qui les influencent oous oous sommes appuyé sur une bonne connaissance de la stmcture cristalline. Tous les écbantillons ont été étudié par diffraction de rayons X (pression ambiante ou sous hautes pressions) et neutroDique (basse et/ou baute température). Nous avons également effectué d'autres caractérisations, telles que mesures de susceptibilité, de cbaleur spécifique et spectroscopie Mossbauer. Nous avons produit la série MnNb2_6 V 80 6 afio de faire varier les distances intercbaines magnétiques et donc la nature des interactions d'échanges. Ces composés sont intéressants pour préseoter une faible anisotropie et un couplage des moments magnétiques dans les chaines en zig-zag le long de l'axe c, ce qui leur confere un caractere unidimensionnel et un couplage antiferromagnétique entre les chames. Nous avons fait une comparaison avec le modele théorique de la chaine d'Heisenberg classique et obtenu des constantes d'échange intra et intercbatnes, J et J', et sa dépendance par rapport à la teneur 8. Ensuite, nous avons fait une étude des séries MnxAt-xNb206 avec A = Fe, Co et Ni. Notre but a été de vérifier comment la nature et la différence de rayons atomiques peuvent influer sur le comportement structural et magnétique de ces composés. Pour ceux qui n'ont pas présenté de mise en ordre magnétique à 1,5 K nous avons fait une étude des corrélations à courtes distances en utilisant le modele de Bertaut La mise en reuvre de synthese HP et HT nous a permis de stabiliser une phase Mn V 20 6 en symétrie orthorhombique et de mettre en jour ses propriétés physiques. Nous avons ensuite comparé avec le MnV 20 6 monoclinique et également avec le MnNb20 6 orthorhombique. Les comportements magnétiques des composés isostructuraux sont tres similaires mais dans le cas de MnNb20 6, les moments magnétiques forment des chaí'nes du type + - + - et dans la pbase Mo V 20 6 nous observons des cbalnes du type + + - -, stmct.ure inédite dans ces composés. / Esta tese compreende um estudo sobre os compostos AB2O6 que chamaram a atenção nos últimos anos graças às suas propriedades de magnetismo de baixa dimensionalidacle. Para melhor entender as propriedades magnéticas e os parâmetros que as influenciam, nos apoiamos no conhecimento da estrutura cristalina. Todas as amostras foram estudadas por difração de raios X (pressão ambiente e sob altas pressões) e de nêutrons (em baixa e em alta temperatura). Também fizemos outras caractetizações como medidas ele susceptibilidade magnética, calorespecífico e espectroscopia Mossbauer. A sé ti e MnNb2_6 V 60 6 foi produzida a fim de variar as distâncias entre as cadeias magnéticas e, com isso, a natureza das interações de troca. Estes compostos são interessantes por apresentarem baixa anisotropia, um acoplamento dos momentos magnéticos nas cadeias em zig-zag ao longo elo eixo c, conferindo-lhe o caráter unidimensional, e ainda um acoplamento antiferromagnético mais fraco entre as cadeias. É feita uma comparação com o modelo teórico de cadeia de Heisenberg clássica e são obtidas as constantes ele troca intra e intercadeias, J e J', e sua dependência em relação à ó. Em seguida, foi feito um estudo das séries MnxAt-xNb20 6 com A = Fe, Co e Ni, com o objetivo de verificar como a natureza e a diferença dos raios atômicos podem influenciar o comportamento estrutural e magnético destes compostos. Para aqueles que não apresentaram ordem magnética à l ,5 K, foi feito um estudo das conelações ele curta distância utilizando o modelo de Bertaut. Graças a síntese AP e AT conseguimos estabilizar o MnV 20 6 em simetria ortorrômbica e determinar suas propriedades físicas. Fizemos então uma comparação com o polimorfo monoclínico Mn V 206 e também com o composto ortonômbico MnNb20 6 . Os comportamentos magnéticos macroscópicos dos compostos isoestruturais são muito similares, porém no caso ela fase MnNb20 6, os momentos magnéticos formam cadeias elo tipo +- + - e na fase Mn V 20 6, as cadeias são do tipo + + - -, estrutura inédita, até então não observada nestes compostos. / This thesis comprises a study of tbe compounds of AB20 6 type that have attracted wide interest in recent years due to tbeir low-dimensional magnetism properties. To better understand tbeir magnetic properties and tbe parameters lhat influence it, we have relied on a good knowledge of lhe crystal stmcture. Ali samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (ambient pressure or under hlgh pressure) and neutron diffraction (low and/or high temperature). We also performed other cbaracterizations, such as magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and Mbssbauer spectroscopy measurements. We have produced tbe MnNb2_6 V 60 6 serie in order to vary the distances between magnetic interchains and thus the nature of lhe excbange interactions. Tbese compounds are interesting due to tbe presence of Jow anisotropy and a coupling of magnetic moments in zigzag cbains along the c-axis, whlch gives lhem a one-dimensional character, and ao antiferromagnetic coupling between cbains. We made a comparison wilh the theoretical modei of the classical Heisenberg chain and obtained the exchange constants intra- and inter-cbain, J and J', and its dependency on the content b. Then we made a study o f MnxA1_.,Nb20 6 series with A = Fe, Co and Ni. Our aim was to check how the nature and tbe difference in atomic radii can influence the stmctural and magnetic properties of tbese compounds. For those whlcb sbowed no magnetic ordering at 1.5 K we made a study of correlations at short distances using Bertaut's model. Thanks to tbe use of HP and HT synthesis we managed to stabilize MnV20 6 in orthorbombic symetry and determine its physical properties. We then performed a comparison witb the monoclinic MnV20G and with tbe 011horbombic MnNb206 compound as well. Macroscopic magnetic behaviour o f isostructural compounds are ve1y similar but in the case of MnNb20 6, the magnetic moments form + - + - type chains while the Mn V 20 6 presents cbains of + + - - type, a structure never observed before in tbis family o f compounds.

Des films de nitrure de zinc et d’étain (ZnSnN2) ont été élaborés par co-pulvérisation magnétron réactive à des températures proches de l’ambiante. La composition chimique des revêtements a été optimisée en ajustant les paramètres de dépôt comme la tension appliquée aux cibles métalliques, la pression de travail et la composition du gaz plasmagène. Dans les conditions optimisées, les films sont fortement cristallisés sur les différents types de substrats testés. Une étude approfondie sur la structure des films a été entreprise par microscopie électronique en transmission. Nous avons ainsi pu montrer que nos films de ZnSnN2 cristallisent dans le système hexagonal. Toutefois, cette structure diffère de celles présentées dans la littérature pour le nitrure de zinc et d’étain. Des études sur l’environnement chimique des éléments constitutifs des revêtements ont également été menées par spectrométrie Mössbauer et par photoémission X. Elles montrent que l’étain est présent dans nos films sous forme de Sn4+ en configuration tétraédrique. Nous avons également pu montrer que l’oxygène présent dans nos films est principalement localisé dans les zones inter-colonnaires. Enfin, les propriétés optiques et électriques de nos films ont été estimées en fonction de leur composition chimique. L’ensemble des résultats obtenus durant ce travail démontre la pertinence de ZnSnN2 pour des applications futures en tant que couche absorbante dans les cellules photovoltaïques / Zinc tin nitride (ZnSnN2) thin films have been deposited by reactive magnetron co-sputtering at room temperature. The stoichiometry of the films has been controlled by optimizing the deposition conditions such as the voltage applied to the metallic targets, the deposition pressure and the composition of the gas mixture. By using the optimized parameters, the deposited films are highly crystallized on the different used substrates. A special attention has been devoted to the determination of the film structure. Among the various structures reported in the literature, we have shown by transmission electron microscopy that the films crystallised in a hexagonal structure. Nevertheless, the structure of our films does not fit with that reported in the literature for the hexagonal ZnSnN2 material. In addition to this structural study, we have performed fine characterization using conversion electron Mossbauer spectrometry and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Both methods show that the optimized films contain Sn4+ ions in tetrahedral configuration. Nevertheless, oxygen contamination at the column boundaries has been evidenced. The electrical and optical properties of the films have been determined has a function of the film composition. The results obtained in this PhD work clearly evidence that ZnSnN2 is a suitable material for photovoltaic applications

[1] Four specimens of zoned tourmaline from granitic pegmatites are characterised in detail, each having unusual compositional and/or morphologic features: (1) a crystal from Black Rapids Glacier, Alaska, showing a central pink zone of elbaite mantled by a thin rim of green liddicoatite; (2) a large (~25 cm) slab of Madagascar liddicoatite cut along (001) showing complex patterns of oscillatory zoning; and (3) a wheatsheaf and (4) a mushroom elbaite from Mogok, Myanmar, both showing extensive bifurcation of fibrous crystals originating from a central core crystal, and showing pronounced discontinuous colour zoning. Crystal chemistry and crystal structure of these samples are characterised by SREF, EMPA, and 11B and 27Al MAS NMR and Mössbauer spectroscopies. For each sample, compositional change, as a function of crystal growth, is characterised by EMPA traverses, and the total chemical variation is reduced to a series of linear substitution mechanisms. Of particular interest are substitutions accommodating the variation in [4]B: (1) TB + YAl ↔ TSi + Y(Fe, Mn)2+, where transition metals are present, and (2) TB2 + YAl ↔ TSi2 + YLi, where transition metals are absent. Integration of all data sets delineates constraints on melt evolution and crystal growth mechanisms. [2] Uncertainty has surrounded the occurrence of [4]Al and [4]B at the T-site in tourmaline, because B is difficult to quantify by EMPA and Al is typically assigned to the octahedral Y- and Z-sites. Although both [4]Al and [4]B have been shown to occur in natural tourmalines, it is not currently known how common these substituents are. Using 11B and 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy, the presence of [4]B and [4]Al is determined in fifty inclusion-free tourmalines of low transition-metal content with compositions corresponding to five different species. Chemical shifts of [4]B and [3]B in 11B spectra, and [4]Al and [6]Al in 27Al spectra, are well-resolved, allowing detection of very small (< ~0.1 apfu) amounts of T-site constituents. Results show that contents of 0.0 < [4]B, [4]Al < 0.5 apfu are common in tourmalines containing low amounts of paramagnetic species, and that all combinations of Si, Al and B occur in natural tourmalines.

[1] Four specimens of zoned tourmaline from granitic pegmatites are characterised in detail, each having unusual compositional and/or morphologic features: (1) a crystal from Black Rapids Glacier, Alaska, showing a central pink zone of elbaite mantled by a thin rim of green liddicoatite; (2) a large (~25 cm) slab of Madagascar liddicoatite cut along (001) showing complex patterns of oscillatory zoning; and (3) a wheatsheaf and (4) a mushroom elbaite from Mogok, Myanmar, both showing extensive bifurcation of fibrous crystals originating from a central core crystal, and showing pronounced discontinuous colour zoning. Crystal chemistry and crystal structure of these samples are characterised by SREF, EMPA, and 11B and 27Al MAS NMR and Mössbauer spectroscopies. For each sample, compositional change, as a function of crystal growth, is characterised by EMPA traverses, and the total chemical variation is reduced to a series of linear substitution mechanisms. Of particular interest are substitutions accommodating the variation in [4]B: (1) TB + YAl ↔ TSi + Y(Fe, Mn)2+, where transition metals are present, and (2) TB2 + YAl ↔ TSi2 + YLi, where transition metals are absent. Integration of all data sets delineates constraints on melt evolution and crystal growth mechanisms. [2] Uncertainty has surrounded the occurrence of [4]Al and [4]B at the T-site in tourmaline, because B is difficult to quantify by EMPA and Al is typically assigned to the octahedral Y- and Z-sites. Although both [4]Al and [4]B have been shown to occur in natural tourmalines, it is not currently known how common these substituents are. Using 11B and 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy, the presence of [4]B and [4]Al is determined in fifty inclusion-free tourmalines of low transition-metal content with compositions corresponding to five different species. Chemical shifts of [4]B and [3]B in 11B spectra, and [4]Al and [6]Al in 27Al spectra, are well-resolved, allowing detection of very small (< ~0.1 apfu) amounts of T-site constituents. Results show that contents of 0.0 < [4]B, [4]Al < 0.5 apfu are common in tourmalines containing low amounts of paramagnetic species, and that all combinations of Si, Al and B occur in natural tourmalines.

Cette tbese comprend une étude sur les composés AB2O6 qui ont attiré un large intérêt ces dernieres années grâce à leurs propriétés de magnétisme de basse dimensionalité. Pour mieux étudier les propriétes magnétiques et les parametres qui les influencent oous oous sommes appuyé sur une bonne connaissance de la stmcture cristalline. Tous les écbantillons ont été étudié par diffraction de rayons X (pression ambiante ou sous hautes pressions) et neutroDique (basse et/ou baute température). Nous avons également effectué d'autres caractérisations, telles que mesures de susceptibilité, de cbaleur spécifique et spectroscopie Mossbauer. Nous avons produit la série MnNb2_6 V 80 6 afio de faire varier les distances intercbaines magnétiques et donc la nature des interactions d'échanges. Ces composés sont intéressants pour préseoter une faible anisotropie et un couplage des moments magnétiques dans les chaines en zig-zag le long de l'axe c, ce qui leur confere un caractere unidimensionnel et un couplage antiferromagnétique entre les chames. Nous avons fait une comparaison avec le modele théorique de la chaine d'Heisenberg classique et obtenu des constantes d'échange intra et intercbatnes, J et J', et sa dépendance par rapport à la teneur 8. Ensuite, nous avons fait une étude des séries MnxAt-xNb206 avec A = Fe, Co et Ni. Notre but a été de vérifier comment la nature et la différence de rayons atomiques peuvent influer sur le comportement structural et magnétique de ces composés. Pour ceux qui n'ont pas présenté de mise en ordre magnétique à 1,5 K nous avons fait une étude des corrélations à courtes distances en utilisant le modele de Bertaut La mise en reuvre de synthese HP et HT nous a permis de stabiliser une phase Mn V 20 6 en symétrie orthorhombique et de mettre en jour ses propriétés physiques. Nous avons ensuite comparé avec le MnV 20 6 monoclinique et également avec le MnNb20 6 orthorhombique. Les comportements magnétiques des composés isostructuraux sont tres similaires mais dans le cas de MnNb20 6, les moments magnétiques forment des chaí'nes du type + - + - et dans la pbase Mo V 20 6 nous observons des cbalnes du type + + - -, stmct.ure inédite dans ces composés. / Esta tese compreende um estudo sobre os compostos AB2O6 que chamaram a atenção nos últimos anos graças às suas propriedades de magnetismo de baixa dimensionalidacle. Para melhor entender as propriedades magnéticas e os parâmetros que as influenciam, nos apoiamos no conhecimento da estrutura cristalina. Todas as amostras foram estudadas por difração de raios X (pressão ambiente e sob altas pressões) e de nêutrons (em baixa e em alta temperatura). Também fizemos outras caractetizações como medidas ele susceptibilidade magnética, calorespecífico e espectroscopia Mossbauer. A sé ti e MnNb2_6 V 60 6 foi produzida a fim de variar as distâncias entre as cadeias magnéticas e, com isso, a natureza das interações de troca. Estes compostos são interessantes por apresentarem baixa anisotropia, um acoplamento dos momentos magnéticos nas cadeias em zig-zag ao longo elo eixo c, conferindo-lhe o caráter unidimensional, e ainda um acoplamento antiferromagnético mais fraco entre as cadeias. É feita uma comparação com o modelo teórico de cadeia de Heisenberg clássica e são obtidas as constantes ele troca intra e intercadeias, J e J', e sua dependência em relação à ó. Em seguida, foi feito um estudo das séries MnxAt-xNb20 6 com A = Fe, Co e Ni, com o objetivo de verificar como a natureza e a diferença dos raios atômicos podem influenciar o comportamento estrutural e magnético destes compostos. Para aqueles que não apresentaram ordem magnética à l ,5 K, foi feito um estudo das conelações ele curta distância utilizando o modelo de Bertaut. Graças a síntese AP e AT conseguimos estabilizar o MnV 20 6 em simetria ortorrômbica e determinar suas propriedades físicas. Fizemos então uma comparação com o polimorfo monoclínico Mn V 206 e também com o composto ortonômbico MnNb20 6 . Os comportamentos magnéticos macroscópicos dos compostos isoestruturais são muito similares, porém no caso ela fase MnNb20 6, os momentos magnéticos formam cadeias elo tipo +- + - e na fase Mn V 20 6, as cadeias são do tipo + + - -, estrutura inédita, até então não observada nestes compostos. / This thesis comprises a study of tbe compounds of AB20 6 type that have attracted wide interest in recent years due to tbeir low-dimensional magnetism properties. To better understand tbeir magnetic properties and tbe parameters lhat influence it, we have relied on a good knowledge of lhe crystal stmcture. Ali samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (ambient pressure or under hlgh pressure) and neutron diffraction (low and/or high temperature). We also performed other cbaracterizations, such as magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and Mbssbauer spectroscopy measurements. We have produced tbe MnNb2_6 V 60 6 serie in order to vary the distances between magnetic interchains and thus the nature of lhe excbange interactions. Tbese compounds are interesting due to tbe presence of Jow anisotropy and a coupling of magnetic moments in zigzag cbains along the c-axis, whlch gives lhem a one-dimensional character, and ao antiferromagnetic coupling between cbains. We made a comparison wilh the theoretical modei of the classical Heisenberg chain and obtained the exchange constants intra- and inter-cbain, J and J', and its dependency on the content b. Then we made a study o f MnxA1_.,Nb20 6 series with A = Fe, Co and Ni. Our aim was to check how the nature and tbe difference in atomic radii can influence the stmctural and magnetic properties of tbese compounds. For those whlcb sbowed no magnetic ordering at 1.5 K we made a study of correlations at short distances using Bertaut's model. Thanks to tbe use of HP and HT synthesis we managed to stabilize MnV20 6 in orthorbombic symetry and determine its physical properties. We then performed a comparison witb the monoclinic MnV20G and with tbe 011horbombic MnNb206 compound as well. Macroscopic magnetic behaviour o f isostructural compounds are ve1y similar but in the case of MnNb20 6, the magnetic moments form + - + - type chains while the Mn V 20 6 presents cbains of + + - - type, a structure never observed before in tbis family o f compounds.

Cette tbese comprend une étude sur les composés AB2O6 qui ont attiré un large intérêt ces dernieres années grâce à leurs propriétés de magnétisme de basse dimensionalité. Pour mieux étudier les propriétes magnétiques et les parametres qui les influencent oous oous sommes appuyé sur une bonne connaissance de la stmcture cristalline. Tous les écbantillons ont été étudié par diffraction de rayons X (pression ambiante ou sous hautes pressions) et neutroDique (basse et/ou baute température). Nous avons également effectué d'autres caractérisations, telles que mesures de susceptibilité, de cbaleur spécifique et spectroscopie Mossbauer. Nous avons produit la série MnNb2_6 V 80 6 afio de faire varier les distances intercbaines magnétiques et donc la nature des interactions d'échanges. Ces composés sont intéressants pour préseoter une faible anisotropie et un couplage des moments magnétiques dans les chaines en zig-zag le long de l'axe c, ce qui leur confere un caractere unidimensionnel et un couplage antiferromagnétique entre les chames. Nous avons fait une comparaison avec le modele théorique de la chaine d'Heisenberg classique et obtenu des constantes d'échange intra et intercbatnes, J et J', et sa dépendance par rapport à la teneur 8. Ensuite, nous avons fait une étude des séries MnxAt-xNb206 avec A = Fe, Co et Ni. Notre but a été de vérifier comment la nature et la différence de rayons atomiques peuvent influer sur le comportement structural et magnétique de ces composés. Pour ceux qui n'ont pas présenté de mise en ordre magnétique à 1,5 K nous avons fait une étude des corrélations à courtes distances en utilisant le modele de Bertaut La mise en reuvre de synthese HP et HT nous a permis de stabiliser une phase Mn V 20 6 en symétrie orthorhombique et de mettre en jour ses propriétés physiques. Nous avons ensuite comparé avec le MnV 20 6 monoclinique et également avec le MnNb20 6 orthorhombique. Les comportements magnétiques des composés isostructuraux sont tres similaires mais dans le cas de MnNb20 6, les moments magnétiques forment des chaí'nes du type + - + - et dans la pbase Mo V 20 6 nous observons des cbalnes du type + + - -, stmct.ure inédite dans ces composés. / Esta tese compreende um estudo sobre os compostos AB2O6 que chamaram a atenção nos últimos anos graças às suas propriedades de magnetismo de baixa dimensionalidacle. Para melhor entender as propriedades magnéticas e os parâmetros que as influenciam, nos apoiamos no conhecimento da estrutura cristalina. Todas as amostras foram estudadas por difração de raios X (pressão ambiente e sob altas pressões) e de nêutrons (em baixa e em alta temperatura). Também fizemos outras caractetizações como medidas ele susceptibilidade magnética, calorespecífico e espectroscopia Mossbauer. A sé ti e MnNb2_6 V 60 6 foi produzida a fim de variar as distâncias entre as cadeias magnéticas e, com isso, a natureza das interações de troca. Estes compostos são interessantes por apresentarem baixa anisotropia, um acoplamento dos momentos magnéticos nas cadeias em zig-zag ao longo elo eixo c, conferindo-lhe o caráter unidimensional, e ainda um acoplamento antiferromagnético mais fraco entre as cadeias. É feita uma comparação com o modelo teórico de cadeia de Heisenberg clássica e são obtidas as constantes ele troca intra e intercadeias, J e J', e sua dependência em relação à ó. Em seguida, foi feito um estudo das séries MnxAt-xNb20 6 com A = Fe, Co e Ni, com o objetivo de verificar como a natureza e a diferença dos raios atômicos podem influenciar o comportamento estrutural e magnético destes compostos. Para aqueles que não apresentaram ordem magnética à l ,5 K, foi feito um estudo das conelações ele curta distância utilizando o modelo de Bertaut. Graças a síntese AP e AT conseguimos estabilizar o MnV 20 6 em simetria ortorrômbica e determinar suas propriedades físicas. Fizemos então uma comparação com o polimorfo monoclínico Mn V 206 e também com o composto ortonômbico MnNb20 6 . Os comportamentos magnéticos macroscópicos dos compostos isoestruturais são muito similares, porém no caso ela fase MnNb20 6, os momentos magnéticos formam cadeias elo tipo +- + - e na fase Mn V 20 6, as cadeias são do tipo + + - -, estrutura inédita, até então não observada nestes compostos. / This thesis comprises a study of tbe compounds of AB20 6 type that have attracted wide interest in recent years due to tbeir low-dimensional magnetism properties. To better understand tbeir magnetic properties and tbe parameters lhat influence it, we have relied on a good knowledge of lhe crystal stmcture. Ali samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (ambient pressure or under hlgh pressure) and neutron diffraction (low and/or high temperature). We also performed other cbaracterizations, such as magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and Mbssbauer spectroscopy measurements. We have produced tbe MnNb2_6 V 60 6 serie in order to vary the distances between magnetic interchains and thus the nature of lhe excbange interactions. Tbese compounds are interesting due to tbe presence of Jow anisotropy and a coupling of magnetic moments in zigzag cbains along the c-axis, whlch gives lhem a one-dimensional character, and ao antiferromagnetic coupling between cbains. We made a comparison wilh the theoretical modei of the classical Heisenberg chain and obtained the exchange constants intra- and inter-cbain, J and J', and its dependency on the content b. Then we made a study o f MnxA1_.,Nb20 6 series with A = Fe, Co and Ni. Our aim was to check how the nature and tbe difference in atomic radii can influence the stmctural and magnetic properties of tbese compounds. For those whlcb sbowed no magnetic ordering at 1.5 K we made a study of correlations at short distances using Bertaut's model. Thanks to tbe use of HP and HT synthesis we managed to stabilize MnV20 6 in orthorbombic symetry and determine its physical properties. We then performed a comparison witb the monoclinic MnV20G and with tbe 011horbombic MnNb206 compound as well. Macroscopic magnetic behaviour o f isostructural compounds are ve1y similar but in the case of MnNb20 6, the magnetic moments form + - + - type chains while the Mn V 20 6 presents cbains of + + - - type, a structure never observed before in tbis family o f compounds.