Heightened impulsivity and compulsivity are often found in association with both dysfunctional everyday behavior and with psychopathology. Impulsivity and compulsivity are also linked to alterations in behavioral response inhibition and its electrophysiological correlates. However, they are rarely examined jointly and their effect outside of clinical samples is still disputed. This study assesses the influence and interaction of impulsivity and compulsivity as measured by questionnaires (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, and Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory-Revised) on behavioral performance and event-related potentials (N2, P3a, and P3b) in a visual Go/Nogo task. Data from 250 participants from the general population (49% female; age M = 25.16, SD = 5.07) were collected. We used robust linear regression as well as regression tree analyses, a type of machine learning algorithm, to uncover potential non-linear effects. We did not find any significant relationship between the self-report measures and behavioral or neural inhibition effects in either type of analysis, with the exception of a linear effect of the lack of premeditation subscale of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale on behavioral performance. The current sample size was large enough to uncover even small effects. One possibility is that inhibitory performance was unimpaired in a non-clinical sample, suggesting that the effect of these personality traits on inhibition and cognitive control may require a clinical sample or a more difficult task version. Further studies are needed to uncover possible associations and interactions to delineate when impulsivity and compulsivity lead to dysfunctional everyday behavior and psychopathology.

Cette thèse touche à la problématique des échanges de gaz aux interfaces entre la géosphère, la biosphère, l'hydrosphère et l'atmosphère par l'intermédiaire du monitoring géochimique des gaz appliqué aux sites de stockage géologiques du CO2. Au niveau de l'axe « Métrologie », nous avons développé une plate-forme de monitoring géochimique continu, in situ et déportée par spectrométrie FTIR/Raman pour la mesure des gaz du sol (CO2, CH4, N2, O2, H2O). Des protocoles de quantification ont été développés pour la mesure par télédétection infrarouge terrestre en mode passif du CO2, CH4, SO2, H2S dans l'atmosphère. Au niveau des axes « Monitoring » et « Modélisation », les mesures de gaz du sol à proximité du puits d'injection de Rousse (Pilote CO2 Total, Lacq/Rousse, France) sur plus de sept cycles saisonniers ont montré une anti-corrélation entre la teneur en CO2 et les variations du niveau piézométrique de la nappe. Cette relation a permis de modéliser l'enveloppe de variabilité « naturelle » de la teneur en CO2 dans le sol, qui constitue un élément clé pour la surveillance des sites de stockage. Les variations majeures de teneur en CO2 sont attribuées à des processus de dissolution/libération de CO2 par la nappe, jouant un rôle de pompe à CO2. La concentration en CO2 en surface (+1m) serait gouvernée par les variations de teneur en CO2 du sol. Les mesures par télédétection FTIR des gaz dans l'atmosphère ont permis d'établir pour la première fois une simulation expérimentale 3D des enveloppes de CO2 à l'aplomb du site d'injection. Ces résultats constituent un premier pas vers la mise en place d'un outil de surveillance des panaches gazeux dans l'atmosphère / This study is based on the problematic of gas exchanges at the interface between the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere through the geochemical monitoring of gas applied to CO2 geological storage sites. Concerning the "Metrological" aspect, we developed and implemented an in situ continuous geochemical monitoring station, based on coupling FTIR/ Raman spectrometry for measuring soil gas (O2, N2, CO2, CH4 and H2O) close to the injection wells of Rousse 1 (CCS Total pilot, Lacq-Rousse, France). We also developed protocols to identify and quantify CO2, CH4, SO2, H2S in the atmosphere (plume) by passive remote sensing FTIR. On the "Monitoring" and "Modelling" aspects, the continuous recording of soil CO2 concentration during more than 7 seasonal cycles indicate that CO2 concentration in the soil was anti-correlated with changes in piezometric level of the groundwater. This correlation was used to model the limits of natural variability of CO2 content in the soil, which is a key to CCS sites monitoring. The main fluctuations in soil CO2 content was assigned to a dissolution/release process of CO2 by the perched water table, acting as a CO2 pump. The CO2 concentration at the near surface (+ 1 m) would be governed by changes of the soil CO2 content. FITR remote sensing measurement of atmospheric gases allowed for the first time to perform an experimental 3D simulation of CO2 layers on the injection site. This type of experimental simulation is a first step for the monitoring of gases in the atmosphere

Les simulations numériques sont devenues un outil indispensable dans la conception des chambres de coupure des disjoncteurs électriques haute tension. Elles sont utilisées non seulement dans le dimensionnement des différentes pièces, mais elles fournissent également une aide précieuse dans la compréhension des phénomènes intervenant entre les deux électrodes au moment de la coupure. L’arc électrique généré entre ces deux électrodes rassemble de nombreux domaines de la physique plus ou moins complexes. Tous ces phénomènes ne sont pas encore parfaitement compris. Avec l’évolution de la puissance de calcul, ces simulations peuvent prendre en compte de plus en plus de phénomènes. Mais pour des raisons de temps de développement, la question des phénomènes à prendre en compte dans ces simulations se pose. Le but de telles simulations est de déterminer de manière rapide si une configuration est plus ou moins capable qu’une autre de couper sous une contrainte donnée. Ainsi, il est important de prendre en compte uniquement les phénomènes physiques importants et nécessaires pour avoir une réponse la plus décisive possible et la plus rapide possible, de la réussite ou non à la coupure d’une configuration testée. Dans cette thèse, nous nous sommes particulièrement intéressés aux déséquilibres thermiques et chimiques qui pourraient intervenir dans les disjoncteurs électriques haute tension au moment de la coupure. En effet, pour des raisons de temps et de coût de calcul, la plupart des simulations numériques actuelles sont réalisées en faisant une hypothèse forte : l’hypothèse d’Equilibre Thermodynamique Local (ETL). Cette hypothèse consiste à considérer que dans chaque maille de notre domaine d’étude et à chaque pas de temps, on a un équilibre thermodynamique réalisé. Faire cette hypothèse nous permet d’utiliser les lois de conservation (masse, quantité de mouvement et énergie) en allégeant le problème. Mais en réalité, cette hypothèse est mise à mal dès que l’on est en présence de forts gradients de température ou de densité. Pour réaliser ces simulations, le code numérique CARBUR a été utilisé. Des modules d’arc électrique (effet Joule et rayonnement) et d’électrode mobile ont été implémentés afin de pouvoir simuler au mieux le comportement du gaz présent dans les disjoncteurs électriques haute tension. Six études différentes ont été réalisées et sont présentées. Ces études portent sur les influences de la forme du bout des électrodes, d’une modélisation en Navier-Stokes par rapport à une modélisation en Euler, de la nature du gaz (SF6, CO2 et N2), du déséquilibre thermique dans le cas de l’azote ou encore du positionnement des termes sources de l’arc électrique dans les différentes équations d’évolution des énergies. Dans ce travail, une étude sur différents modèles cinétiques chimiques est proposée. Dans ces modèles, 5 espèces chimiques sont présentes : N2, N, N+, N2+ et e-. En ce qui concerne la température, on en distingue 4 : T, TVib-N2, TVib-N2+ et Te. / The numerical simulations are become a very important tool to design the high voltage circuit breaker (HVCB) chamber. They help for the understanding of the different phenomena which can take place between the 2 electrodes during an interruption process. The electric arc brings together many fields of physics more or less complex and many of these phenomena are still poorly studied. So many aspects remain to be explored to improve simulations. With the increase of the calculation power, these numerical simulations can take into account more phenomena. However, for reasonable simulation times, we need to know which phenomena are preponderant. The aim of these numerical simulations is to rapidly conclude on the capacity of geometry to success an interruption process compared to different other geometries, under a given stress. In this PhD dissertation, we are particularly interested on thermal and chemical non equilibrium that can occur in HVCB during an interruption process. Currently, most simulations are carried out with a strong hypothesis: the hypothesis of Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE). This assumption allows us to alleviate the problem and to reduce the computing time. But this assumption becomes not valid when high temperature or density gradients occur. To do these simulations, the CARBUR numerical code has been used. In order to simulate flow behaviors in HVCB, an electrical arc (Joule effect and radiation) model and a module of mobile electrode have been added. Six different studies have been done and are presented: influence of the electrode shape, influence of the Navier-Stokes equations compared to the Euler equations, influence of the gas (SF6, CO2 et N2), influence of the thermal non equilibrium in a nitrogen case, influence of the position of the arc source terms in the different energy equations. In this work, a study on different nitrogen chemical kinetics is proposed. In these models, 5 chemical species are distinguished: N2, N, N+, N2+ and e-. Finally, 4 different temperatures are used: T, TVib-N2, TVib-N2+ and Te.

Two gas-phase ion-molecule reaction systems are presented here based on measurements done in a temperature variable 22-pole trapping machine. In the first case, the proton affinity of methane is determined based on a new technique for measuring the equilibrium constant of the HCO2+ + CH4 <=> CH5+ + CO2 reaction. The second case reports to the (Ar + N2 )+ reaction system, with reaction rate temperature dependencies measurements made both in the forward and reverse direction with different and complementary methods. The temperature variable 22-pole trapping machine allows one to determine equilibrium constants and reaction rate coefficients over a wide range of temperatures. The coupling of an effusive beam to the setup overcomes the problem of neutral gas wall condensation and extends the temperature range measurements beyond condensation point. The introduction (Chapter 1) gives a short overview about the rf technology and parallel experimental techniques developed in order to better characterize and understand the several mechanisms related to ion-molecule reactions. It also focuses some aspects of reaction rate temperature dependencies determination as well as thermodynamical equilibrium in laboratory environment. A short description of the setup and experimental methods are presented in Chapter 2. Based on equilibrium constant measurements, Chapter 3 is dedicated to the proton affinity of methane. This concept has applications on several fields such as atmospheric and combustion modelling, or testing empirical and ab initio theories for electronic structures. The (Ar − N2 )+ system presented in Chapter 4, is known for being a good case study for inferring the role of vibrational excitation in reaction dynamics and to the existence of non-adiabatic coupling. The experimental results here presented for the N2+ + Ar reaction demonstrate that it is possible to avoid parallel reactions with first vibrational excited state of nitrogen (N2 (ν = 1)). On the other hand, the reverse reaction experiments confirm the existence of a minimum of the reaction rate in the 30 to 300 K range, due to the existence of two reaction channels. The question of the high rate coefficient towards lower temperatures being related to the N2 rotational ground state population is raised. A summary and outlook are presented in Chapter 5, where some new possible paths of investigation are pointed out.

Cette thèse traite du contrôle et de la caractérisation de l'alignement et de l'orientation du point de vue théorique et expérimental. L'alignement d'une molécule linéaire consiste à obtenir une probabilité élevée de localisation de l'axe internucléaire symétrique autour de l'axe de polarisation du champ tandis que l'orientation privilégie un sens particulier le long du champ. L'orientation à l'aide d'impulsions bi couleur (2+1) non résonnantes est étudiée en détail et les conditions permettant d'obtenir une orientation efficace sont examinées. Un schéma bi couleur où la deuxième harmonique est en quasi-résonance avec un niveau vibrationnel de la molécule est également étudié. Cette technique présente l'avantage d'offrir un paramètre supplémentaire à savoir l'écart à la résonance qui peut être ajusté de manière à optimiser l'orientation moléculaire. Finalement une nouvelle technique expérimentale de détection de l'alignement moléculaire est présentée. Celle-ci permet une détection monocoup de l'alignement moléculaire sur une étendue temporelle jusqu'alors inégalée. / This thesis is about the control and characterisation of the alignment and orientation of molecules by ultra short laser pulses on a theoretical and experimental approach. Alignment corresponds to a symmetric angular distribution of the molecular axis peaked along the laser field axis, whereas orientation provides an asymmetric distribution favouring one spatial direction. Orientation by sudden two-colour (2+1) pulses is studied extensively for the non resonant case and conditions required for achieving significant orientation are explored. A second two-colour scheme, where the second harmonic is in quasi resonance with a vibrational level of the molecule, is also presented and discussed. The last technique has the advantage to offer the detuning of the laser frequency as an additional free parameter, which can be adjusted to enhance molecular orientation. A new experimental polarization imaging 2D technique for the detection alignment is also developed. Experimental results on single shot detection of molecular alignment achieved over an unprecedented temporal span are presented.

Cette étude se situe dans le cadre des recherches menées par le CEAEA sur la production massive d'hydrogène, sans émission de gaz à effet de serre, via un cycle thermo-chimique de décomposition de l'eau couplé à une source de chaleur à haute température d'origine nucléaire. Dans le cas particulier du cycle dit« Iode-Soufre», on doit extraire H2 à partir d'un mélange H2/HI/H20 très corrosif, opération pour laquelle des procédés membranaires ont été proposés. L'objectif de ce travail est le développement de membranes zéolithiques de type MFI susceptibles d'être utilisées dans ce contexte. Nous présentons les différents matériaux utilisés, la méthodologie de synthèse de couches minces de Silicalite-1 et de ZSM-5 synthétisée sans structurant organique, les techniques de caractérisation des membranes. Une étude cinétique nous a permis d'optimiser et de contrôler les conditions d'obtention de ces couches minces déposées sur des substrats tubulaires en Ti02 et plans en Al2O3-α. De nombreuses expériences de perméation ont été réalisées, pour des gaz simples (H2, He, Ar, N 2, C02, SF6) et des mélanges gazeux (H2/H20/Ar) et (H2/H20/HI/Ar). Les effets de la température, de la pression amont, de l'épaisseur et de la longueur de la couche mince ainsi que du gaz vecteur ont été étudiés en détail. Il apparaît que la présence de molécules d'H20 dans le système joue un rôle prépondérant sur la perméation des autres molécules. / In the general context of massive and "carbon free" hydrogen production studies, the aim of this work was the development of zeolitic MFI membranes for hydrogen extraction and separation. The methodology of synthesis, the membranes characterization techniques as well as the permeation experimental setup are presented. Optimization and control of the elaboration of Ti02 supported Silicalite-1 and template free ZSM-5 membranes have been reached. Details of the full kinetic study that we performed are given. Numerous permeation experiments, involving pure gas (H2, He, Ar, N2, C02, SF6) and mixtures (H2/H20/Ar) and (H2/H 20/HI/Ar) have been carried on. The effects of temperature, feed pressure, thickness and length of the membranes, as well as the role of the sweeping gas have been emphasized. In the case of gas mixtures, the presence of H20 molecules appears to be a predominant factor.

La compréhension des mécanismes pilotes de la stabilisation des flammes-jet non-prémélangées constitue un point clé dans la caractérisation des modes opératoires des brûleurs industriels fonctionnant en régime de combustion diluée. Ce travail porte son attention sur l'étude expérimentale de l'influence de la dilution du combustible ou de l'air, sur le processus de décrochage et l'émission des polluants d'une flamme-jet non-prémélangée accrochée au brûleur. L'investigation est menée via un grand nombre d'expériences par combinaison des conditions suivantes : i) dioxyde de carbone (CO2), azote (N2), argon (Ar) et vapeur d'eau (H2Ov), sont utilisés comme diluants ; ii) deux configurations de dilution : dilution de l'air ou dilution du combustible ; iii) un couple de vitesses d'air et de combustible couvrant le domaine d'hystérésis de la flamme dans sa totalité, du régime de jet laminaire à celui de jet turbulent. Ceci permet de discriminer l'influence des effets intrinsèques à la nature du diluant de celle de l'aérodynamique des réactants (combustible et oxydant), dans la stabilité de la flamme accrochée. En particulier, les différences comportementales de la réponse de la flamme à la dilution de l'air ou à celle du combustible, sont analysées. Ces deux configurations de dilution diffèrent par deux effets de mélange, indépendants de la réaction, qui jouent un rôle important dans le cas de la dilution du combustible, mais sont négligeables dans le cas de celle de l'air : i) un effet dû à la modification de la fraction de mélange stœchiométrique. ii) un impact mécanique induit par l'apport de matière (diluants) responsable d'une augmentation de la vitesse des réactants. L'étude se divise en trois principales étapes. D'abord la réponse globale de la flamme à la dilution est étudiée via ses limites de décrochage quantifiées par les fractions molaires critiques des diluants dans l'oxydant ou dans le combustible, mesurées au décrochage. Le nombre de Peclet du combustible, Pef, est identifié comme le nombre adimensionnel qui ordonne ces limites de décrochage de manière homothétique pour tous les diluants. Grâce au comportement homothétique deux coefficients d'affinité, Kd,ox pour le cas de la dilution de l'air et Kd,f pour celle du combustible, sont introduits. Ils sont définis comme le rapport entre la limite de décrochage obtenue avec un diluant et celle obtenue avec le CO2 , à Pef = cste. Ceux-ci permettent l'établissement de deux polynômes génériques décrivant les limites de décrochage pour tous les diluants testés et dans toute la gamme des conditions aérodynamiques étudiées. En effet, Kd,ox et Kd,f englobent l'ensemble des effets physico-chimiques d'un diluant (dilution pure, thermique, propriétés de transport, chimie) et ceux des impacts mécaniques, affectant la stabilité de la flamme. Ils permettent de trouver les lois d'auto-similitude au décrochage pour un diluant chimiquement faible quelconque, à partir des résultats obtenus dans ce travail. Ensuite, une étude locale et détaillée du processus de décrochage induit par la dilution est réalisée. Celui-ci se base sur l'approche du bout propagatif décrivant la stabilité de la flamme accrochée comme résultant d'un équilibre à sa base entre la vitesse de l'écoulement et la vitesse de propagation. Afin de démontrer le lien entre cette approche et la stabilité de la flamme, une analyse approfondie des caractéristiques de sa base (localisation, intensité du radical CH* et champ de vitesses) est réalisée. Les résultats confirment la pertinence de l'approche du bout propagatif, comme mécanisme descriptif de la stabilisation de la flamme accrochée en présence de dilution. Enfin, une étude caractérisant aussi bien l'influence de la nature des diluants que celle de la configuration de dilution choisie (air ou combustible), sur l'émission des polluants (suies, NOx et CO), est présentée. / Understanding the main mechanisms piloting non-premixed jet flame stability is an important point in characterizing the operation modes of industrials burners in which dilution is involved. This work puts special emphasis on the experimental study of the influence of air-side and methane-side dilution in the lifting process of attached non-premixed jet flames. The study is based on numerous experiments combining the following conditions : i) carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar) or water vapor (H20v,) used as diluents d ; ii) two diluted configurations : air-side or methane-side dilution ; iii) two air and fuel velocities covering the entire flame hysteresis domain, from the laminar to the turbulent regime. This allows the influence of the intrinsic diluent nature effects to be discriminated from those of the aerodynamics of the reactants (fuel and oxidant), in attached flame stability. In particular, the behavioral differences of the flame response to air-side or to fuel-side dilution are analyzed. These two configurations differ by two mixing effects which are independent of the combustion reaction, and which are significant when the fuel is diluted, but negligible when air is diluted : i) an effect due to the changes in the stoichiometric mixture fraction ; ii) a mechanical impact induced by the addition of matter (diluents) producing an increase in the bulk velocity of the reactants. The study is composed of three parts. First, the global flame response to dilution is analyzed on the basis of the lifting limits defined as the critical molar fractions of the diluents in the fuel or in the oxidant measured at liftoff. The fuel Peclet number, Pef, appears as the dimensionless number which puts these limits in a homothetic order. This homothetic behavior allows the introduction of two affinity parameters, Kd,ox for air-side dilution and Kd,f for fuel-side dilution. They are defined by the ratio of the flame lifting limits calculated with a diluent d and with CO2, at Pef=const. Kd,ox and Kd, allow two generic polynomial laws to be established describing the flame lifting limits for all the diluents and in the whole range of aerodynamic conditions of this study. Indeed, Kd,ox and Kd,f encompass all the diluent effects affecting flame stability (pure dilution, thermal, transport, chemical), to which mechanical impacts are added. These coefficients make it possible to obtain the self-similarity laws of the lifting limits for any chemically-weak diluent, by using the results obtained in this work. Then, a local and detailed study of the flame lifting process induced by dilution is presented. This is based on the flame-leading-edge approach describing flame stability as a result of the balance between the incoming gas velocity of the reactants and the flame propagation velocity at the flame base. In order to show the link between this approach and flame stability, an extensive analysis of the flame-base characteristics (location, CH* emission intensity and velocity field) is carried out. The results attest to the pertinence of the propagative flame-leading-edge, as the mechanism describing the attached flame stability under dilution. Finally, a study concerning the influence of both the diluent nature and the diluted configuration (air or fuel) on pollutant emissions (soot, NOx and CO) is presented.

Two gas-phase ion-molecule reaction systems are presented here based on measurements done in a temperature variable 22-pole trapping machine. In the first case, the proton affinity of methane is determined based on a new technique for measuring the equilibrium constant of the HCO2+ + CH4 <=> CH5+ + CO2 reaction. The second case reports to the (Ar + N2 )+ reaction system, with reaction rate temperature dependencies measurements made both in the forward and reverse direction with different and complementary methods. The temperature variable 22-pole trapping machine allows one to determine equilibrium constants and reaction rate coefficients over a wide range of temperatures. The coupling of an effusive beam to the setup overcomes the problem of neutral gas wall condensation and extends the temperature range measurements beyond condensation point. The introduction (Chapter 1) gives a short overview about the rf technology and parallel experimental techniques developed in order to better characterize and understand the several mechanisms related to ion-molecule reactions. It also focuses some aspects of reaction rate temperature dependencies determination as well as thermodynamical equilibrium in laboratory environment. A short description of the setup and experimental methods are presented in Chapter 2. Based on equilibrium constant measurements, Chapter 3 is dedicated to the proton affinity of methane. This concept has applications on several fields such as atmospheric and combustion modelling, or testing empirical and ab initio theories for electronic structures. The (Ar − N2 )+ system presented in Chapter 4, is known for being a good case study for inferring the role of vibrational excitation in reaction dynamics and to the existence of non-adiabatic coupling. The experimental results here presented for the N2+ + Ar reaction demonstrate that it is possible to avoid parallel reactions with first vibrational excited state of nitrogen (N2 (ν = 1)). On the other hand, the reverse reaction experiments confirm the existence of a minimum of the reaction rate in the 30 to 300 K range, due to the existence of two reaction channels. The question of the high rate coefficient towards lower temperatures being related to the N2 rotational ground state population is raised. A summary and outlook are presented in Chapter 5, where some new possible paths of investigation are pointed out.

Cette thèse traite du contrôle et de la caractérisation de l'alignement et de l'orientation du point de vue théorique et expérimental. L'alignement d'une molécule linéaire consiste à obtenir une probabilité élevée de localisation de l'axe internucléaire symétrique autour de l'axe de polarisation du champ tandis que l'orientation privilégie un sens particulier le long du champ. L'orientation à l'aide d'impulsions bi couleur (2+1) non résonnantes est étudiée en détail et les conditions permettant d'obtenir une orientation efficace sont examinées. Un schéma bi couleur où la deuxième harmonique est en quasi-résonance avec un niveau vibrationnel de la molécule est également étudié. Cette technique présente l'avantage d'offrir un paramètre supplémentaire à savoir l'écart à la résonance qui peut être ajusté de manière à optimiser l'orientation moléculaire. Finalement une nouvelle technique expérimentale de détection de l'alignement moléculaire est présentée. Celle-ci permet une détection monocoup de l'alignement moléculaire sur une étendue temporelle jusqu'alors inégalée.

It is well known that nanostructures possess unique electronic, optical, magnetic, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties that are often superior to traditional bulk materials. In particular, one dimensional (1D) nanostructured inorganic materials including nanofibres, nanotubes and nanobelts have attracted considerable attention due to their distinctive geometries, novel physical and chemical properties, combined effects and their applications to numerous areas. Metal ion doping is a promising technique which can be utilized to control the properties of materials by intentionally introducing impurities or defects into a material. γ-Alumina (Al2O3), is one of the most important oxides due to its high surface area, mesoporous properties, chemical and thermal properties and its broad applications in adsorbents, composite materials, ceramics, catalysts and catalyst supports. γ-Alumina has been studied intensively over a long period of time. Recently, considerable work has been carried out on the synthesis of 1D γ-alumina nanostructures under various hydrothermal conditions; however, research on the doping of alumina nanostructures has not been forthcoming. Boehmite (γ-AlOOH) is a crucial precursor for the preparation of γ-Alumina and the morphology and size of the resultant alumina can be manipulated by controlling the growth of AlOOH. Gallium (Ga) is in the same group in the periodic table as aluminum. β-Gallium (III) oxide (β-Ga2O3), a wide band gap semiconductor, has long been known to exhibit conduction, luminescence and catalytic properties. Numerous techniques have been employed on the synthesis of gallium oxide in the early research. However, these techniques are plagued by inevitable problems. It is of great interest to explore the synthesis of gallium oxide via a low temperature hydrothermal route, which is economically efficient and environmentally friendly. The overall objectives of this study were: 1) the investigation of the effect of dopants on the morphology, size and properties of metal ion doped 1D alumina nanostructures by introducing dopant to the AlOOH structure; 2) the investigation of impacts of hydrothermal conditions and surfactants on the crystal growth of gallium oxide nanostructures. To achieve the above objectives, trivalent metal elements such as iron, gallium and yttrium were employed as dopants in the study of doped alumina nanostructures. In addition, the effect of various parameters that may affect the growth of gallium oxide crystals including temperature, pH, and the experimental procedure as well as different types of surfactants were systematically investigated. The main contributions of this study are: 1) the systematic and in-depth investigation of the crystal growth and the morphology control of iron, gallium and yttrium doped boehmite (AlOOH) under varying hydrothermal conditions, as a result, a new soft-chemistry synthesis route for the preparation of one dimensional alumina/boehmite nanofibres and nanotubes was invented; 2) systematic investigation of the crystal growth and morphology and size changes of gallium oxide hydroxide (GaOOH) under varying hydrothermal conditions with and without surfactant at low temperature; We invented a green hydrothermal route for the preparation of α-GaOOH or β-GaOOH micro- to nano-scaled particles; invented a simple hydrothermal route for the direct preparation of γ-Ga2O3 from aqueous media at low temperature without any calcination. The study provided detailed synthesis routes as well as quantitative property data of final products which are necessary for their potential industrial applications in the future. The following are the main areas and findings presented in the study: • Fe doped boehmite nanostructures This work was undertaken at 120ºC using PEO surfactant through a hydrothermal synthesis route by adding fresh iron doped aluminium hydrate at regular intervals of 2 days. The effect of dopant iron, iron percentage and experimental procedure on the morphology and size of boehmite were systematically studied. Iron doped boehmite nanofibres were formed in all samples with iron contents no more than 10%. Nanosheets and nanotubes together with an iron rich phase were formed in 20% iron doped boehmite sample. A change in synthesis procedure resulted in the formation of hematite large crystals. The resultant nanomaterials were characterized by a combination of XRD, TEM, EDX, SAED and N2 adsorption analysis. • Growth of pure boehmite nanofibres/nanotubes The growth of pure boehmite nanofibres/nanotubes under different hydrothermal conditions at 100ºC with and without PEO surfactant was systematically studied to provide further information for the following studies of the growth of Ga and Y doped boehmite. Results showed that adding fresh aluminium hydrate precipitate in a regular interval resulted in the formation of a mixture of long and short 1D boehmite nanostructures rather than the formation of relatively longer nanofibres/nanotubes. The detailed discussion and mechanism on the growth of boehmite nanostructure were presented. The resultant boehmite samples were also characterized by N2 adsorption to provide further information on the surface properties to support the proposed mechanism. • Ga doped boehmite nanostructures Based on this study on the growth of pure boehmite nanofibre/nanotubes, gallium doped boehmite nanotubes were prepared via hydrothermal treatment at 100ºC in the presence of PEO surfactant without adding any fresh aluminium hydrate precipitate during the hydrothermal treatment. The effect of dopant gallium, gallium percentage, temperature and experimental procedure on the morphology and size of boehmite was systematically studied. Various morphologies of boehmite nanostructures were formed with the increase in the doping gallium content and the change in synthesis procedure. The resultant gallium doped boehmite nanostructures were characterized by TEM, XRD, EDX, SAED, N2 adsorption and TGA. • Y doped boehmite nanostructures Following the same synthesis route as that for gallium doped boehmite, yttrium doped boehmite nanostructures were prepared at 100ºC in the presence of PEO surfactant. From the study on iron and gallium doped boehmite nanostructures, it was noted both iron and gallium cannot grow with boehmite nanostructure if iron nitrate and gallium nitrate were not mixed with aluminium nitrate before dissolving in water, in particular, gallium and aluminium are 100% miscible. Therefore, it’s not necessary to study the mixing procedure or synthesis route on the formation of yttrium doped boehmite nanostructures in this work. The effect of dopant yttrium, yttrium percentage, temperature and surfactant on the morphology and size of boehmite were systematically studied. Nanofibres were formed in all samples with varying doped Y% treated at 100ºC; large Y(OH)3 crystals were also formed at high doping Y percentage. Treatment at elevated temperatures resulted in remarkable changes in size and morphology for samples with the same doping Y content. The resultant yttrium doped boehmite nanostructures were characterized by TEM, XRD, EDX, SAED, N2 adsorption and TGA. • The synthesis of Gallium oxide hydroxide and gallium oxide with surfactant In this study, the growth of gallium oxide hydroxide under various hydrothermal conditions in the presence of different types of surfactants was systematically studied. Nano- to micro-sized gallium oxide hydroxide was prepared. The effect of surfactant and synthesis procedure on the morphology of the resultant gallium oxide hydroxide was studied. β-gallium oxide nanorods were derived from gallium oxide hydroxide by calcination at 900ºC and the initial morphology was retained. γ-gallium oxide nanotubes up to 65 nm in length, with internal and external diameters of around 0.8 and 3.0 nm, were synthesized directly in solution with and without surfactant. The resultant nano- to micro-sized structures were characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, EDX and N2 adsorption. • The synthesis of gallium oxide hydroxide without surfactant The aim of this study is to explore a green synthesis route for the preparation of gallium oxide hydroxide or gallium oxide via hydrothermal treatment at low temperature. Micro to nano sized GaOOH nanorods and particles were prepared under varying hydrothermal conditions without any surfactant. The resultant GaOOH nanomaterials were characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, EDX, TG and FT-IR. The growth mechanism of GaOOH crystals was proposed.