Murrell-Mottram empirical atomistic many-body and Gupta n-body potentials have been used to study various aspects of the cluster chemistry of copper, silver, gold and nickel. Simulated annealing techniques have been used to search for the global minima of the four metals with up to 55 atoms. Icosahedral, decahedral, octahedral, hexagonal closed packed and hexagonal prismatic structures were found. The gold clusters show some rearrangements and distortions from ideal geometries. Polyhedral cluster calculations up to 1 500 atoms predict that icosahedra and truncated octahedra are particularly stable. Calculations on the structures of copper-gold alloy clusters show that gold atoms prefer to occupy the surface of the cluster. A simple approximation to model the passivation of gold clusters by thiol ligands predicts that for 55 atoms the passivated cuboctahedron is more stable than the icosahedron, the reverse of the order for the bare clusters. Molecular dynamics simulations of gold adatoms on the gold (111) surface and of the impact of a 55 atom gold cluster with the gold (111) surface have been performed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:56:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5825.pdf: 8465324 bytes, checksum: 0ce01a558ef65f3c49b4118cd7694868 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-17 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / The monitoring of indoor air quality (QIA) is a subject that has been disseminated in the current research. The objectives of them are the development of common methodologies to identify possible pollution agents at different locations. However, there are few works that develop methodologies in an attempt to mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution. Based on this problem, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of filters doped with silver nanoparticles in the elimination of bacteria and fungi (bioaerosols) present in particulate matter from indoor environments, since it is known that nanosized silver particles have pronounced bactericidal and fungicidal effect. To achieve these goals, fabrics considered common were initially acquired in malls and were evaluated in terms of their filtration properties (permeability, loss, collection efficiency). It was subsequently performed the synthesis of silver nanoparticles suspension followed by immersion in the suspension of the chosen fabric. After drying, they were used to collect air suspended particulate material in a bathroom of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos. From the results it was verified that the filters doped with silver nanoparticles were able to significantly eradicate microorganisms present in air suspended particulate material. The elimination of microorganisms ranged from 22 to 82% for the mesh PV and 71 to 100% for the cotton fabric. / O monitoramento da qualidade de ar interno (QAI) é um assunto que vem se difundindo nas pesquisas atuais. Os objetivos destas pesquisas comumente são o desenvolvimento de metodologias para identificar possíveis fontes de poluição em diferentes locais. Entretanto, poucos são os estudos que abordam o desenvolvimento de metodologias que tentam amenizar os efeitos da poluição em ambientes fechados. Com base nesta problemática, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de filtros impregnados com nanopartículas de prata na eliminação de bactérias e fungos (bioaerossóis) presentes no material particulado de ambientes internos, uma vez que se sabe que partículas nanométricas de prata possuem pronunciado efeito bactericida e fungicida. Para alcançar este objetivo foram adquiridos em centros comerciais tecidos considerados comuns e estes foram avaliados em termos de suas propriedades de filtração (permeabilidade, perda de carga, eficiência de coleta), e posteriormente foram realizadas as sínteses de nanopartículas de prata seguidas da imersão em suspensão de nanopartícula dos filtros escolhidos. Após a secagem dos mesmos foi realizada a coleta do material particulado a qual foi feita em um banheiro do Departamento de Engenharia Química da Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Através dos resultados foi possível verificar que os filtros impregnados com nanopartículas de prata foram capazes de erradicar micro-organismos presentes no material particulado de forma significativa. A eliminação dos micro-organismos variou de 22 a 82% para o tecido malha PV e de 71 a 100% para o tecido algodão.

The persistence of biofilms in hospital settings are associated with Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI), causing increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. The resistance of biofilms against commonly used hospital disinfectants has been well reported. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NP) such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO) exhibit antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. Methods: Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in a Centre for Disease Control (CDC) biofilm reactor and a 96 well plate was compared. A three stage approach including Minimum Biofilm Reduction Concentration (MBRC), R2 values and log(10) reductions was used to assess the efficacy of Ag and ZnO NPs both alone and in combination against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) was used to further assess the antimicrobial ability of the metal and metal oxide NPs. The prevention of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus adherence on Ag and ZnO thin film coating on silicon (Si) surfaces was also investigated, as well as icaC, ebpS and fnbB gene expression in S. aureus biofilms. Results: The CDC biofilm reactor demonstrated to be the most effective method for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilm production in comparison to 96 well plates, with lower standard errors of the mean (SE) and higher replicability. Individual MBRC of ZnO and Ag NPs in suspension were 256 and 50 µg/ml for P. aeruginosa and 16 and 50 µg/ml for S. aureus respectively. The concentrations in combination were reduced by at least a half, with concentrations of 32/25 µg/ml of ZnO/Ag NPs in suspension resulting in a significant (p ≤0.05) reduction of 3.77 log(10) against P. aeruginosa biofilms and 8/12 µg/ml of ZnO/Ag NPs in suspension resulted in a 3.91 log(10) (p ≤0.05) against S. aureus biofilms. Both combinations showed an additive effect. Time point analysis confirmed that a 24 hour treatment is vital for any significant (p ≤0.05) antimicrobial activity. AAS data suggested that the Ag+ ions quenched Zn2+ ions, therefore the antimicrobial efficacy of the combination is mainly due to Ag+ ions. Damage of the biofilms from Ag and ZnO NPs was observed in the SEM imaging and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the adherence of Zn and Ag within the biofilms. CLSM imaging showed dead (red) cells of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms throughout the depth of the biofilm. P. aeruginosa formation was reduced by 1.41 log(10) and 1.43 log(10) on Ag and ZnO thin film coatings respectively. For S. aureus, a reduction of 1.82 log(10) and 1.65 log(10) was obtained for Ag and ZnO coating respectively. Only low levels of ribonucleic acid (RNA) were achieved so no further gene analysis could occur. Conclusion: Reductions of ≥3 log(10) were observed for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilm treatment with ZnO/Ag NP suspensions. It can be concluded that the ZnO/Ag NP suspensions had greater antimicrobial activity than Ag and ZnO coated surfaces owing to large concentrations of Ag+ and Zn2+ ions acting upon the biofilms. The slower release of ions from coated surfaces suggest an inadequate concentration of ions in the media, which are therefore unable to prevent biofilm formation as rapidly as NP suspensions, however provide a sustained release of ions over time. The results from this investigation propose that Ag and ZnO NPs in suspension could be a potential alternative to disinfectants for use in nosocomial environments against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms.

This work describes the production and characterization of colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and insertion of this colloidal solution in a polymeric ma-trix of epoxy resin. The first stage of this work was the preparation of AgNPs in colloi-dal solution, using AgNO3 as the precursor, ethylene glycol as a medium and dispersant sodium citrate as reducing agent and stabilizer. Were also measured the temporal sta-bility of the solution of AgNPs for possible use over time. The colloidal solution of Ag-NPs was characterized by UV-Vis, DLS (dynamic light scattering) and Zeta potential and through its measures. We found that the colloidal solution of AgNPs is composed of stable nanoparticles, and spherical with average diameter around 10 to 12 nm. In the second stage the preparation and characterization of polymeric matrix of epoxy resin with different solution concentrations (2 ml, 5 ml, 8 ml and 10 ml) of AgNPs inseted manually into the matrix. Structural characterization of components of the polymeric matrix was performed using the techniques of FTIR spectroscopy (Fouri-er transform infrared) and Raman. The indication of the presence of AgNPs and their state of dispersion in the epoxy matrix was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and through the results showed the presence of nanoparticles in a dispersed and an average size around 50 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to check the maximum thermal stability of nanocomposite were per-formed. The TGA results indicated that the degradation temperature of the polymer underwent a slight decrease with increasing the volume of solution to resin AgNPs in-serted. In addition, analysis was performed microhardness of the epoxy resin produced with different concentrations of AgNPs solution and subjected to heat treatment. Ac-cording to the microhardness tests, the presence of ethylene glycol in the epoxy matrix significantly altered their microhardness values, acting as a plasticizer. / Neste trabalho descreve-se a produção e caracterização de solução coloidal de nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs) e a inserção dessa solução coloidal em uma matriz polimérica de resina epóxi. A primeira etapa desse trabalho consistiu na síntese de AgNPs em solução coloidal, utilizando AgNO3 como o precursor, o etilenoglicol como meio dispersante e o citrato de sódio como agente redutor e estabilizante. Também foram realizadas medidas de estabilidade temporal da solução de AgNPs, para possí-veis usos ao longo do tempo. A solução coloidal de AgNPs foi caracterizada pela espec-troscopia UV-Vis, DLS (espalhamento dinâmico da luz) e potencial Zeta, e através de suas medidas, constatou que a solução coloidal de AgNPs foi composta de nanopartí-culas estáveis, esféricas e com diâmetro médio em torno de 10 12 nm.Na segunda etapa foi realizada a preparação e caracterização de matriz polimé-rica de resina epóxi com diferentes concentrações (2 ml, 5 ml, 8 ml e 10 ml) de solução de AgNPs inseridas manualmente à matriz. A caracterização estrutural dos componen-tes da matriz polimérica foi realizada utilizando-se as técnicas de espectroscopia por FTIR (infravermelho por transformada de Fourier) e Raman. A indicação da presença das AgNPs e do seu estado de dispersão na matriz epóxi foi estudado empregado a espectroscopia UV-Vis e MET (microscopia eletrônica de transmissão), e por meio dos resultados, constatou-se a presença das nanopartículas de forma dispersa e com um tamanho médio em torno de 50 nm. Foram realizadas análises termogravimétricas (TGA) para verificar a estabilidade térmica da resina epóxi. Os resultados de TGA indi-caram que a máxima temperatura de degradação do polímero sofreu uma leve redu-ção com o aumento do volume de solução de AgNPs inserida à resina. Além disso, também foram realizadas análises de microdureza Vickers da resina epóxi produzida com diferentes concentrações de solução de AgNPs e submetidas a tratamento térmi-co. De acordo com os ensaios de microdureza, a presença do etilenoglicol na matriz epóxi alterou significativamente seus valores de microdureza, atuando como plastifi-cante.

Metal nanoparticles have recently gained popularity in many research areas due to their nanosize-related properties. Depending on the size of the metal nanoparticle, their mode of interaction with electromagnetic radiation and the outcome of this interaction vary; in turn the effect exerted on a protein which is conjugated to a nanoparticle varies, because different sized nanoparticles demonstrate different modes of energy transfer with electromagnetic radiation and molecules conjugated to them. Very small cluster with sizes around 1 – 1.2 nm tend to get excited by incident light and emit fluorescence, whereas larger nanoparticles absorb the incoming light very strongly due to their LSPR. In this study we observed the outcomes of the interaction between two types of nanoparticles, namely gold and gold/silver alloyed nanoparticles with the fluorescence emission of two fluorophores, namely eGFP and rPhiYFP; and demonstrated a bioassay where the fluorescence modulation by gold nanoparticles can be used as the sensing strategy. Lastly, we demonstrated the potential of autofluorescent gold nanoparticles as intracellular reporters.

Les travaux de cette thèse sont en rapport avec la caractérisation de cellules solaires organiques et se déclinent suivant 3 axes :- Dans le cadre du projet IMPCELPHOTOR, nous avons développé un banc de caractérisation LBIC/LBIV permettant de cartographier des dispositifs OPV afin de visualiser et d’identifier les défauts de fonctionnement.- Dans le cadre du projet Européen SPrinTronics, nous avons travaillé sur l’amélioration des électrodes. Pour l’électrode collectrice d’électrons, nous avons sélectionné, testé et validé des encres métalliques à base de nanoparticules d’argent compatibles avec l’impression jet d’encre et permettant de réaliser des dispositifs OPV fonctionnels. Pour l’électrode collectrice de trous, nous avons testé des encres à base de nanofils d’argent et de nanotubes de carbone afin de remplacer l’ITO. Des résultats satisfaisants ont été obtenus avec une encre à base de nanofils d’argent. Cette dernière permet de réaliser des cellules semi-transparentes fonctionnelles sur verre et sur plastique. - Un travail sur l’aspect couleur d’un dispositif OPV a été mené au sein du projet PHASME. Nous avons mis en œuvre différentes techniques afin de modifier la couleur d’un dispositif OPV sans détruire ses performances photovoltaïques, le but étant de réaliser des modules polychromes. Nous avons développé simultanément un logiciel de colorimétrie permettant de contrôler et de prévoir le rendu de couleur dû à l’ajout de filtre coloré sur le dispositif OPV. / The work of this thesis is related to the characterization of organic solar cells and is structured in three independant parts :- Within the IMPCELPHOTOR project, we developed an experimental bench based on LBIC/ LBIV mapping, in order to visualize and identify defects within OPV device and modules.- Within the European SPrinTronics project, we worked on the improvement of OPV electrodes. For the top electrode, we selected, tested, and validated metallic inks based on silver nanoparticles compatible with inkjet printing. For the bottom electrode, we tested silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes inks to replace ITO. Satisfactory results have been obtained with an ink based on silver nanowires, which allowed us to obtain functional semi-transparent cells on glass and plastic.- Within the PHASME project, we worked on the visual aspect of a coloured OPV device. We implemented various strategies to change the color of an OPV device without altering its photovoltaic performance, the aim being to achieve full color modules. Simultaneously, we developed a colorimetric software to control and predict the color rendering on the final device (OPV plus filter).