Open-framework inorganic and inorganic-organic hybrid materials constitute an important area of study in materials chemistry, because of their potential applications in areas such as sorption and catalysis. Besides aluminosilicate zeolites, the metal phosphates and carboxylates constitute large families of open-framework structures. The possibility of building open architectures with the sulfate and selenate anions as the basic building units has been explored in this thesis. Investigations of a variety of open-framework metal sulfates and selenates, as well as a family of jarosites of different transition metals are presented. More importantly, studies directed towards the synthesis and understanding of the magnetic properties of various Kagome compounds formed by the transition metal ions is discussed at length. After providing an introduction to inorganic open-framework compounds (Part 1), the thesis presents the results of the investigations of various transition and rare earth metal sulfates with diverse structures and dimensionalities in Part 2. Some of these compounds show interesting properties. For example, a two-dimensional Ni(II) sulfate exhibits ferrimagnetism whereas a three-dimensional Ni(II) sulfate with 10-membered channels is paramagnetic. A family of three-dimensional co-ordination polymers of Co(II) sulfate wherein the Co(II) sulfate layers are linked by diaminoalkanes of varying chain length has been synthesized and characterized. Organically-templated neodymium and thorium sulfates with layered and three-dimensional structure have also been prepared. The jarosite family of compounds with the Kagome structure is considered as an ideal model for studying frustrated magnetism. This type of materials, however, is difficult to prepare in a pure and highly crystalline form. We have synthesized analogues of the jarosite containing magnetic ions other than Fe3+ by solvothermal techniques and discussed them in Part 3. In particular, we have prepared and explored the magnetic properties of Mn2+(S = 5/2), Fe2+ (S = 2), Co2+(S = 3/2) and Ni2+ (S = 1) jarosites. Based on the results presented, it becomes clear that the magnetic properties vary with the spin of the transition metal ion. It appears that those Kagome compounds with transition metalions with non-integer spins show antiferromagnetic interactions and magnetic frustration while those with integer spins exhibit ferro/ferrimagnetic properties. A theoretical study has also supports this observation. We have been able to isolate for the first time 1,4-diazacubane as the part of the structure of the nickel Kagome compound. The possibility of building open architectures with the selenate anion as the basic building unit has been explored in Part 4. The results have been rewarding and an organically-templated three-dimensional lanthanum selenate with 12-membered channels has thus been obtained for the first time.

Luminescence measurements have been applied to three different structures namely, sulphate, fluorides and YAG. In all cases the RE doping suppresses the intrinsic emission and results in intense luminescence characteristic of the RE dopant. Additionally, in double doped samples, or contaminated ones, the TL data show that each dopant defines a glow peak, which is displaced in temperature relative to the others. Examples of this were discussed for CaS04:Ce,Mn; YAG:Nd,Tb,Cr,Mn; BaF2:Ho,Ce and BaF2:Tm,Ce. The data are discussed in terms of an energy transfer model between different parts of extended defect complexes which encompass the RE ion and the lattice defects. Calcium sulphate doped with Dy define a TL peak near 200°C suitable for radiation measurements, but when co-doped with Ag the TL peak move to higher temperatures with minor effects on the peak sensitivity. In Ce,Mn double doped samples, the peak temperatures differ by -7°C between the Ce and Mn sites. The TL glow curves from alkaline earth fluorides are complex and contain several overlapping peaks. Curve fitting show that the peak maxima below room temperature are insensitive to the RE dopant. Additionally the host material has a modest effect on the peak positions. Above room temperature each dopant provides a TL curve specific to the added RE ion and do not show common peaks. Concentration has many effects on the resultant glow curve, and even at the lowest concentration used here (0.01%) there is evidence of cluster formation. Samples with high RE content show low values of the frequency factor consistent with the energy transfer model in that the emission from RE-RE cluster dominates over the emission from direct charge recombination within the defect complex. The effect of concentration and the TL mechanism operating below room temperature are also discussed. Luminescence signals from the near surface of YAG:Nd (via CL) were contrasted with those from the bulk material via RL. Results indicate that the outer few micron layers differ significantly in luminescence response from the bulk crystal. The differences were ascribed to result from solvents that enter the YAG lattice during the growth stage or subsequently from cleaning treatments via the dislocations caused by cutting and polishing. Additionally, the growth stage may include gases from the residual air in the growth furnace trapped into the YAG lattice. In each case there is a discontinuity in luminescence intensity and/or emission wavelengths at temperatures which mach the phase transitions of the contaminants. At the transition temperature there will be a sudden pressure change and this will induce surface expansion or bulk compression. The differences between the two cases were detected by the alternatives of CL and RL excitation, where the Nd or Er lines have moved in opposite directions. The detection of such low concentrations of solvents/trapped gases by luminescence is extremely difficult due to experimental limitations. Hence their role in luminescence generation is normally ignored.

The control of cellular tyrosine phosphorylation levels is of great importance in many biological systems. Among the kinases and phosphatases that modulate these levels, the LAR-RPTPs have been suggested to act in several key aspects of neural development, and in a dysfunctional manner in various pathologies from diabetes to cancer. The aim of this thesis is to describe the physiological functions of one of the members of this subfamily of RPTPs, namely RPTPsigma. First, we showed that glucose homeostasis is altered in RPTPsigma null mice. They are hypoglycemic and more sensitive to exogenous insulin and we proposed that the insulin hypersensitivity observed in RPTPsigma-null mice is likely secondary to their neuroendocrine dysplasia and GH/IGF-1 deficiency. In addition to regulating nervous system development, RPTPsigma was previously shown to regulate axonal regeneration after injury. In the absence of RPTPsigma, axonal regeneration in the sciatic, facial and optical nerves was enhanced following nerve crush. However, myelin-associated growth inhibitory proteins and components of the glial scar such as CSPGs (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans) have long been known to inhibit axonal regeneration in the CNS, making spinal cord injury irreversible. In collaboration with Dr Samuel David, we unveiled that RPTPsigma null mice are able to regenerate their corticospinal tract following spinal cord hemisections as opposed to their WT littermates. We then isolated primary neurons from both sets of animals and found that the absence of RPTPsigma promotes the ability of the neurons to adhere to certain inhibitory substrates. Finally, in order to better understand the physiological role of RPTPsigma, we used a yeast substrate-trapping approach, to screen a murine embryonic library for new substrates. This screen identified the RhoGAP p250GAP as a new substrate, suggesting a downstream role for RPTPsigma in RhoGTPase signaling. We also identified p130Cas and Fyn as new binding partners. All these proteins have clear functional links to neurite extension. The characterization of RPTPsigma and its signaling partners is essential for understanding its role in neurological development and may one day translate into treatments of neural diseases and injuries.

Les prochaines générations de batteries à ions lithium et sodium seront basées sur le développement de nouveaux matériaux d'électrode positive durables, peu chers et sûrs. Dans ce but, nous avons exploré le monde des minéraux à la recherche de structures présentant les pré-requis pour l'insertion et la désinsertion d'ions alcalins. Nous avons alors entrepris l'étude de sulfates bimétalliques dérivés du minéral bloedite, ayant pour formule générale AxM(SO4)2*nH2O (A = Li, Na, M = métal de transition 3d, et n = 0, 4). Ces systèmes présentent une cristallochimie riche, montrant des transitions structurales en fonction de la température ainsi qu'avec le départ des molécules d'eau. Les nouvelles structures ont été déterminées en combinant les techniques de diffraction des rayons X, neutrons et électrons. Nous avons également montré que les composés à base de lithium LixM(SO4)2 présentent des propriétés antiferromagnétiques intéressantes, du fait notamment de leurs structures particulières qui permettent seulement des interactions de super-super-échange. Enfin et surtout, nous avons, parmi les composés isolés, identifié trois sulfates à base de fer, à savoir Na2Fe(SO4)2*4H2O, Na2Fe(SO4)2 et Li2Fe(SO4)2, qui présentent des propriétés électrochimiques intéressantes face au lithium et au sodium. Avec un potentiel de 3,83 V vs. Li+/Li0, la nouvelle phase marinite Li2Fe(SO4)2 affiche le plus haut potentiel jamais observé pour le couple redox FeIII+/FeII+ dans un composé inorganique à base de fer et dépourvu de fluor, et est en fait seulement dépassé par celui de la forme triplite de LiFeSO4F.

Dans ce travail de thèse, les radicaux hydroxyles et sulfates, générés par les procédés électro-Fenton et électro-persulfate utilisant une anode en fer, respectivement, ont été utilisés pour la dégradation des édulcorants synthétiques et un colorant azoïque. Les études réalisées sont essentiellement concentrées sur : efficacité de dégradation, mécanismes d'oxydation, schémas de minéralisation et évolution de la toxicité lors de traitement des polluants cibles.1. Le procédé électro-Fenton a montré une grande efficacité dans la dégradation oxydative de l'Aspartame (ASP). La dégradation et la minéralisation sont essentiellement affectées par la concentration du catalyseur (Fe2+) et l'intensité du courant. La constante de vitesse absolue de la réaction d'hydroxylation de l'ASP a été déterminée comme (5,23±0,02) x 109 M-1 s-1. Les acides oxalique, oxamique et maléique ont été identifiés comme sous-produits aliphatiques. La toxicité de la solution (méthode Microtox) augment dans un premier temps et ensuite diminue progressivement lors du traitement.(2) L'édulcorant artificiel Saccarine (SAC) a été efficacement dégradée par procédé électro-Fenton avec anodes DSA, Pt et BDD. Cependant, l'utilisation de l'anode BDD a accéléré significativement la minéralisation de la SAC. Les conditions optimales pour la minéralisation efficace de la SAC étaient: [SAC]: 0,2 mM, [Fe2+] (catalyseur): 0,2 mM, [Na2SO4] (électrolyte): 0,05 M, I (courant): 200 mA et pH: 3. Les acides oxalique, formique et maléique ont été identifiés comme sous-produits aliphatiques. La mesure de la toxicité indique une augmentation en début d'électrolyse (formation des intermédiaires toxiques) et puis une diminution progressive le long du traitement.(3) L'édulcorant artificiel Sucralose (SUC) a été complètement minéralisée en 360 min de traitement par procédé électro-Fenton avec l'anode Pt ou BDD. Le taux de minéralisation est affecté par la concentration de Fe2+ et le courant appliqué. L'efficacité du courant de minéralisation diminue avec l'augmentation du courant de 100 à 500 mA avec les deux anodes. Les acides oxalique, pyruvique, formique et glycolique ont été détectés au cours du processus de minéralisation.(4) Les solutions du colorant azoïque Orange II ont été effectivement décolorées par les radicaux sulfates générés par l'activation électrochimique du peroxydisulfate (PDS) utilisant un catalyseur solide, FeOOH (procédé CE/α-FeOOH/PDS). Le pH initial a peu d'effet sur la décoloration. La méthodologie RSM (Response Surface Methodology) basée sur le modèle Box-Behnken a été appliquée pour analyser les variables expérimentales. Les résultats indiquent que le courant a un effet positif sur la vitesse de décoloration. L'interaction du dosage de l'α-FeOOH et la concentration de PDS ont des effets significatifs. Les résultats d'analyse de variance (ANOVA) ont confirmé que les modèles proposés étaient exactes et fiables pour l'analyse des variables du procédé CE/α-FeOOH/PDS. Le catalyseur solide α-FeOOH a montré une bonne stabilité structurelle et pourrait être réutilisé.(5) Les solutions d'Orange II ont été dégradés par les radicaux sulfates obtenus par le même procédé mais avec catalyseur Fe3O4 : EC/Fe3O4/PDS. La vitesse de décoloration est affecté principalement par : pH initial de la solution, densité du courant, concentration de PDS et dosage de Fe3O4. La solution a été totalement décolorée en 60 min dans les conditions suivantes: [Orange II]0: 25 mg/L, [PDS]: 10 mM, [Fe3O4]: 0,8 g/L, densité du courant (j): 8,4 mA/cm2 et pH initial: 6,0. Les expériences de recyclage ont montré que les particules de Fe3O4 étaient stables et pourraient être réutilisées. Les spectres XPS ont montré la formation de Fe(II) sur la surface des particules de Fe3O4 lors de traitement. Les principaux intermédiaires ont été séparés et identifiés par la technique GC-MS et un schéma plausible de dégradation d'Orange II a été proposé / In this paper, electro-Fenton and sulfate radical-based electro-Fenton-like processes were used to degrade artificial sweeteners and azo dye. The results obtained during the research concern the removal efficiency, the oxidation mechanism, degradation pathway and toxicity evolution of target pollutants.(1) Electro-Fenton process was a effective method for the degradation of ASP in water. The removal and mineralization rate was affected by the Fe2+ concentration and applied current. The absolute rate constant of hydroxylation reaction of ASP was (5.23 ± 0.02) × 109 M–1 S–1. Short-chain aliphatic acids such as oxalic, oxamic and maleic acid were identified as aliphatic intermediates in the electro-Fenton process. The bacteria luminescence inhibition showed the toxicity of ASP solution decreased after it reached a maximum during the first period of the oxidation reaction.(2) Artificial sweetener SAC could be degraded effectively by electro-Fenton process with a DSA, Pt or BDD anode. However, the using of BDD anode could accelerate the mineralization of SAC. The optimal conditions for SAC removal were SAC concentration 0.2 mM, Fe2+ concentration 0.2 mM, Na2SO4 concentration 50 mM, applied current 200 mA and initial pH 3.0. Oxalic, formic, and maleic acid were observed as aliphatic byproducts of SAC during electro-Fenton process. The bacteria luminescence inhibition showed the toxicity of SAC solution increased at the beginning of electrolysis, and then it declined until the end of the reaction.(3) Artificial sweetener Sucralose could be completely mineralized in a 360 min reaction by electro-Fenton process with a Pt or BDD anode. The mineralization rate was affected by the Fe2+ concentration and applied current. The mineralization current efficiency (MCE) decreased with rising applied current from 100 to 500 mA with both Pt and BDD anode. Oxalic, pyruvic, formic and glycolic acids were detected during the oxidation of sucralose.(4) Orange II was effectively decolorized by EC/α-FeOOH/PDS process. The initial pH of Orange II solution had little effect on the decolorization of Orange II. RSM based on Box-Behnken statistical experiment design was applied to analyze the experimental variables. The response surface methodology models were derived based on the results of the pseudo-first-order decolorization rate constant and the response surface plots were developed accordingly. The results indicated the applied current showed a positive effect on the decolorization rate constant of Orange II. The interaction of α-FeOOH dosage and PDS concentration was significant. The ANOVA results confirmed that the proposed models were accurate and reiable for the analysis of the varibles of EC/α-FeOOH/PDS process. The catalystα-FeOOH showed good structural stability and could be reused.(5) Aqueous solutions of Orange II have been degraded effectively in the EC/Fe3O4/PDS process. The decolorization rate was affected by the initial pH of Orange II solution, current density, PDS concentration and Fe3O4 dosage. Orange II can be totally decolorizated in a 60 min reaction when initial Orange II concentration was 25 mg/L, PDS concentration was 10 mM, Fe3O4 dosage was 0.8 g/L, current density was 8.4 mA/cm2 and initial pH was 6.0. Recycle experiments showed Fe3O4 particles were stable and can be reused. XPS spectrum indicated Fe(II) was generated on the surface of Fe3O4 particles after reaction. The main intermediates were separated and identified by GC-MS technique and a plausible degradation pathway of Orange II was proposed

This diploma thesis deals with the description of the chemistry of stagnant and flowing surface waters in selected part of the Velká podkrušnohorská dump and subsequent statistical processing of data. Sulfates are dominating element of the stagnant and flowing water, which form sulfato complexes with elements Ca2 + and Mg2+. The values CHSKCr in stagnat water are half compared to flowing water (upper and lower reaches). Higher values CHSKCr are result of biochemical, chemical and biological processes in the aquatic environment in stagnant water.

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De grandes quantités de méthane sont générées dans les sédiments marins, mais l'émission dans l'atmosphère de ce gaz à effet de serre important est en partie contrôlé par oxydation anaérobie de méthane couplé à la réduction de sulfate (SR AOM). AOM-SR est médiée par des méthanotrophes anaérobies (ANME) et bactéries sulfato-réductrices (SRB). AOM-SR est non seulement la régulation du cycle du méthane, mais il peut être utile appliquée pour la désulfuration des eaux usées industrielles au détriment du méthane comme source de carbone. Cependant, il a une bouilloire jambe pour contrôler et comprendre pleinement ce processus, principalement en raison de la lenteur croissante de l'ANME. Cette recherche a étudié de nouvelles approches pour contrôler et enrichiront ANME AOM SR et SRB dans le but final de la conception d'un bioréacteur approprié pour AOM SR à la pression ambiante et la température. Ceci a été réalisé en étudiant l'effet de (i) la pression et (ii) l'utilisation de différents composés du soufre comme accepteurs d'électrons sur AOM, (iii) la caractérisation de la communauté microbienne et (iv) L'identification des facteurs contrôlant la croissance des ANME et SRB .Théoriquement, le méthane des pressions partielles élevées favorisent AOM-SR, en plus de méthane sera dissoute et biodisponible. La première approche impliquait l'incubation d'un sédiments marins peu profonds (lac marin Gravelines) sous des gradients de pression. De manière surprenante, la plus haute AOM-SR activité a été obtenue à basse pression (MPa 00:45), montrant l'actif ANME méthane préféré faible disponibilité sur haute pression (10, 20, 40 MPa). Fait intéressant, ook l'abondance et la structure des différents types de ANME et CVN Piloté par pression.En outre, les micro-organismes présents dans les sédiments d'oxydation anaérobie de méthane ont été enrichies avec du méthane en tant que substrat dans le filtre de percolateur (BTF) aux conditions ambiantes. Autres composés de soufre (sulfate, thiosulfate et en soufre élémentaire) ont été utilisés comme accepteurs d'électrons. Quand a été utilisé comme thiosulfate accepteur d'électrons, son dismutation en sulfate et de sulfure a été la conversion de soufre dominant, mais les taux les plus élevés UTILE AOM-SR ont été enregistrés dans ce BTF. Par conséquent, AOM peut être directement couplé à la réduction ou thiosulfate, ou à la réduction du sulfate produit par le thiosulfate de dismutation. De plus, l'utilisation de thiosulfate a déclenché l'enrichissement ou SRB. D'autres termes, on a obtenu le plus haut ou l'enrichissement ANME Lorsque seul le sulfate a été utilisé comme accepteur d'électrons.Dans un BTF avec du sulfate en tant qu'accepteur d'électrons, tous deux ANME et SRB ont été enrichies à partir de sédiments marins et les flux de carbone à l'intérieur des micro-organismes enrichis ont été étudiés par fluorescence in situ échelle hybridation nanomètres spectrométrie de masse d'ions secondaires (SIMS Nano-FISH). Les résultats préliminaires montrent l'absorption du méthane par un groupe spécifique de SRB.ANME et SRB adaptée aux conditions de sédiments profonds ont été enrichis dans un BTF à la pression ambiante et de la température. Le BTF est une combinaison bioréacteur de démarrage pour l'enrichissement ou lente des micro-organismes en croissance. De plus, peut être utilisé thiosulfate pour activer les sédiments et enrichir la communauté SRB plus d'enrichir la population stratégie ANME pour obtenir une haute AOM SR et plus rapide taux de croissance ANME et SRB pour les applications futures / Large amounts of methane are generated in marine sediments, but the emission to the atmosphere of this important greenhouse gas is partly controlled by anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled to sulfate reduction (AOM-SR). AOM-SR is mediated by anaerobic methanotrophs (ANME) and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). AOM-SR is not only regulating the methane cycle but it can also be applied for the desulfurization of industrial wastewater at the expense of methane as carbon source. However, it has been difficult to control and fully understand this process, mainly due to the slow growing nature of ANME. This research investigated new approaches to control AOM-SR and enrich ANME and SRB with the final purpose of designing a suitable bioreactor for AOM-SR at ambient pressure and temperature. This was achieved by studying the effect of (i) pressure and of (ii) the use of different sulfur compounds as electron acceptors on AOM, (iii) characterizing the microbial community and (iv) identifying the factors controlling the growth of ANME and SRB.Theoretically, elevated methane partial pressures favor AOM-SR, as more methane will be dissolved and bioavailable. The first approach involved the incubation of a shallow marine sediment (marine Lake Grevelingen) under pressure gradients. Surprisingly, the highest AOM-SR activity was obtained at low pressure (0.45 MPa), showing that the active ANME preferred scarce methane availability over high pressure (10, 20, 40 Mpa). Interestingly, also the abundance and structure of the different type of ANME and SRB were steered by pressure.Further, microorganisms from anaerobic methane oxidizing sediments were enriched with methane gas as the substrate in biotrickling filters (BTF) at ambient conditions. Alternative sulfur compounds (sulfate, thiosulfate and elemental sulfur) were used as electron acceptors. When thiosulfate was used as electron acceptor, its disproportionation to sulfate and sulfide was the dominating sulfur conversion, but also the highest AOM-SR rates were registered in this BTF. Therefore, AOM can be directly coupled to the reduction of thiosulfate, or to the reduction of sulfate produced by thiosulfate disproportionation. Moreover, the use of thiosulfate triggered the enrichment of SRB. Differently, the highest enrichment of ANME was obtained when only sulfate was used as electron acceptor.In a BTF with sulfate as electron acceptor, both ANME and SRB were enriched from marine sediment and the carbon fluxes within the enriched microorganisms were studied through fluorescence in-situ hybridization-nanometer scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (FISH-NanoSIMS). Preliminary results showed the uptake of methane by a specific group of SRB.ANME and SRB adapted to deep sediment conditions were enriched in a BTF at ambient pressure and temperature. The BTF is a suitable bioreactor for the enrichment of slow growing microorganisms. Moreover, thiosulfate can be used to activate the sediment and enrich the SRB community to further enrich the ANME population as strategy to obtain high AOM-SR and faster ANME and SRB growth rates for future applications