The present work is the fourth (and final) contribution to an inter-laboratory collaboration that was planned at the 3rd International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability (ISOS-3). The collaboration involved six laboratories capable of producing seven distinct sets of OPV devices that were degraded under well-defined conditions in accordance with the ISOS-3 protocols. The degradation experiments lasted up to 1830 hours and involved more than 300 cells on more than 100 devices. The devices were analyzed and characterized at different points of their lifetimes by a large number of non-destructive and destructive techniques in order to identify specific degradation mechanisms responsible for the deterioration of the photovoltaic response. Work presented herein involves time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in order to study chemical degradation in-plane as well as in-depth in the organic solar cells. Various degradation mechanisms were investigated and correlated with cell performance. For example, photo-oxidation of the active material was quantitatively studied as a function of cell performance. The large variety of cell architectures used (some with and some without encapsulation) enabled valuable comparisons and important conclusions to be drawn on degradation behaviour. This comprehensive investigation of OPV stability has significantly advanced the understanding of degradation behaviour in OPV devices, which is an important step towards large scale application of organic solar cells. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Des études antérieures ont montré que l'incorporation de groupements méthyles par dépôt assisté par plasma (PECVD) dans des couches minces de silicium améliore leur cyclabilité lors de leur utilisation comme électrodes négatives pour les batteries Li-ion. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, plusieurs approches ont été adoptées pour mieux comprendre les phénomènes impliqués dans ce nouveau matériau lors de cyclages en condition réaliste.Nous avons montré que la spectroscopie infrarouge operando en géométrie de réflexions totales atténuées (ATR-FTIR) apporte des informations quantitatives sur les phénomènes mis en jeu lors de la lithiation et de la délithiation de la couche active. L'augmentation progressive de l'absorbance pendant la première lithiation permet notamment de suivre la formation d’une phase très riche en lithium LizSi qui envahit progressivement le matériau. Nous avons montré que la concentration z du lithium dans cette phase dépend de la teneur en groupements méthyles. Nous avons expliqué ce phénomène par deux effets distincts : (1) la fragilisation du matériau du fait de la diminution du degré de réticulation et de la cohésion. (2) la porosité qui augmente aux teneurs en méthyles plus élevées. Nous avons par ailleurs obtenu par microscopie électronique en transmission une mise en évidence directe de cette porosité à l’échelle nanométrique et de son accroissement avec la teneur en méthyle.Les mesures de spectrométrie de masse à ionisation secondaire à temps de vol (ToF-SIMS) en collaboration avec Chimie ParisTech ont montré que l’invasion du lithium à partir de la phase LizSi vers la zone non-lithiée est un phénomène très lent (correspondant à un coefficient de diffusion D ~10-19 cm2).Nous avons constaté par spectroscopie ATR-FTIR operando et mesures électrochimiques que l'évolution de la couche de passivation (SEI) dépend du taux du cyclage et de la teneur en groupements méthyles lors du premier cycle.Enfin, les phénomènes se produisant lors de l’interruption de la lithiation électrochimique ont été suivis à différents états de charge par spectroscopie ATR-FTIR operando et spectroscopie d'impédance électrochimique (EIS). Nous avons découvert qu'en début de lithiation, une partie du lithium inséré dans la couche repart vers l'électrolyte et contribue à l'augmentation de l'épaisseur de la SEI formée sur l'électrode. / Previous studies showed that the incorporation of methyl groups in silicon thin films obtained by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) improves their stability as negative electrodes in Li-ion batteries. In this thesis, several approaches have been used to understand phenomena occurring in the so-called "methylated amorphous silicon" during realistic cycling condition.We have shown that infrared spectroscopy operando in attenuated total reflection geometry (ATR-FTIR) provides quantitative information on the phenomena involved during the lithiation and the delithiation of the active material. The gradual increase of the absorbance during the first lithiation makes it possible to follow the formation of a lithium-rich phase LizSi which gradually invades the material. We have shown that the concentration z of lithium in this phase depends on the content of methyl groups. This behavior has been explained by two distinct effects: (1) the weakening of the material due to the methyl-induced lowering of its reticulation degree and cohesion. (2) the increase of the material porosity at high enough methyl content. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) measurements revealed that a porosity is present at the nanometer scale in the active material and increases with methyl content. Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy measurements performed at Chimie ParisTech have shown that the lithium invasion of the pristine active material from the lithium-rich phase is an utterly slow phenomenon (corresponding to a diffusion coefficient D ~10-19 cm2).We observed Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) evolution during first cycle depends on cycling rate and methyl content, using operando ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and electrochemical methods.The evolution of the material after interruption of the electrochemical lithiation at several states of charge has been monitored using operando ATR-FTIR spetroscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Those measurements show that part of the lithium initially inserted in the layer returns to the electrolyte during relaxation and contributes to the growth of the SEI.

No description available.

Der Cr2O3 ist einer der wichtigsten Katalysatoren im Chlor/Fluor (Cl/F) Austauschreaktionen für die Produktion von chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Alternativen. Es wird als ein ausgezeichneter heterogener Katalysator für Fluorierung Reaktionen gegründet. Die Dismutierung von CCl2F2 wurde verwendet, um die Wirkung von Halogenierung von Chrom(III) Oxyd auf Cl/F-Austauschreaktionen zu untersuchen und um den Unterschied zwischen den inaktiven und aktiven Katalysatoren herauszufinden. Die heterogenen Reaktionen wurden in einem tubular-flow Ni Reaktor und auch unter simulierten Reaktionsbedingungen in einem Reaktor durchgeführt, wo nach der Reaktion die Photoelektronspektroskopie (XPS) und die Auger-Elektronspektroskopie (XAES) Analysen konnte direkt ohne Luftkontakt, unter so genannt "in - situ" Bedingungen gefolgt werden. Es wurde gezeigt, dass die Probleme der Behandlung von Cr (III) 2p Photoelektronenspektren so gelöst werden können, dass ihnen relevante Daten für die chemische Charakterisierung von Oberflächen entnommen werden können. Hochaufgelöste Photoelektronspektroskopie von Cr2O3 Pulverproben zeigte deutlich die Existenz von spektralen Strukturen, die mit Multiplet-Aufspaltungen im jeweiligen Cr 2p Spektrum verbunden sind. Das Spektrum kann durch eine Peakfit-Analyse vertieft interpretiert werden in dem die Anfangswerte für die Peakparameter der Multiplet-Strukturen den jeweiligen Cr L2,3 XANES Spektren entnommen werden. Vom theoretischen Gesichtspunkt sollte dasselbe Verfahren auch eine Analyse der Cr 2p Photoelektronenspektren von alpha-CrF3, CrCl3 und anderen Chrom (III) Verbindungen ermöglichen. Die Unterschiede, die im Experiment für die Cr2O3, alpha-CrF3 und CrCl Photoelektronenspektren beobachtet werden, deuten auf die Tatsache, dass, obwohl in all diesen Fällen dieselben Multiplet-Aufspaltungen für Cr3+ erwartet werden, individuelle Einflüsse der Symmetrie und Ligandenfelder die Endgestalt des jeweiligen Cr 2p Photoelektronenspektrums definieren. Eine Analyse von Cr 3s Spektren kann zusätzlich wertvolle Finger-print Informationen zu chemischen Zuständen von Chrom in Cr (III) Verbindungen erbringen. Sowohl ex-situ als auch ´´in-situ´´ ESCA zeigen, dass sobald CCl2F2 zu Cr2O3 an 390 °C geführt wird, Fluorierung sowie Chlorierung an der Katalysator-Oberfläche findet statt. Wenn die XPS Oberflächenzusammensetzung etwa 4 Atom - % Fluorierung und 6 Atom - %-Chlorierung erreicht, wird die maximale katalytische Aktivität erhalten. Die längeren Reaktionszeiten ändern bedeutsam die erhaltene Oberflächenzusammensetzung von aktiviertem Chrom(III) Oxyd nicht. Der Fluorierung und Chlorierung von Chrom(III) Oxyd wurden weiter durch verschiedenen HF und HCl Behandlungen ebenso untersucht. Die aktivierten Chrom(III) Oxyd Proben und Referenzproben mit der weithin bekannten chemischen Struktur wurden auch durch Kantennahe Röntegenabsorptionsuntersuchungen (XANES), Flugzeit-statischesekundärionenmassenspektroskopie (TOF-SSIMS), Rasterelektronenmikroskopie (SEM), Fluor-Festkörper-NMR, Pyridin-FTIR, Nasschemie (F und Cl) Analyse, Pulver Röntgensbeugung (XRD) und Oberflächen (BET) Analyse untersucht. Die Ergebnisse der Referenzproben Cr2O3, Cr (OH) 3, CrF2 (OH), CrF3.3H2O, Alpha-CrF3, Beta-CrF3 und CrCl3 und aktivierte Cr2O3 Proben wurden verglichen. Die angewandten Charakterisierungsmethoden schlagen vor, dass die Bildung der Chrom-Oxydchlorid-Fluorid-Arten, bzw. Chrom-Oxyd Halogenide, an der Oberfläche ist genügend die katalytische Aktivität zu versorgen. Die Anwesenheit jedes CrF3 und/oder CrCl3 Phasen auf den aktivierten Chrom(III) Oxyd Proben wurde nicht entdeckt. / The Cr2O3 is one of the most important catalysts in the chlorine/fluorine (Cl/F) exchange reactions for the production of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) alternatives. It is established as an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for fluorination reactions. The dismutation of CCl2F2 was used to probe the effect of halogenation of chromia on Cl/F exchange reactions in order to find out the difference between the inactive and active catalysts. The heterogeneous reactions were performed in a continuous flow Ni reactor and also under simulated reaction conditions in a reactor where after the reaction the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy (XAES) analyses could be followed directly without air contact, under so called ´´in-situ´´ conditions. In order to be able to apply the Cr(III) 2p XPS analysis in the proper manner the spectroscopic features of the chromium(III) compounds of O, F and Cl were re-investigated. Latest generation of XPS spectrometers, which are able to analyze non-conductive powders with ultimate energy resolution, were used to reveal multiplet splitting features and satellite emission in the Cr 2p spectra. The energy positions of the multiplets were determined by total electron yield (TEY)- X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Using both high resolution XPS and XANES spectra a peak-fit analysis, which is also applicable for normally resolved Cr 2p XPS spectrum, was proposed. In order to overcome the known background problem by drawing the background in the broad Cr 2p window including the high binding energy satellite, a modified Shirley background, which is a combination of a linear and Shirley function, was used. Moreover, the spectroscopic features of the Cr(III) 3s XPS spectrum, which is relatively simpler than the Cr 2p one, were also surveyed. An alternative chemical analysis was proposed by using chemical state plots for Cr 3s. Both ex- and in-situ ESCA show that as soon as Cr2O3 is conducted to CCl2F2 at 390 °C fluorination as well as chlorination takes place at the catalyst surface. When the XPS surface composition reaches approximately 4 atom-% fluorination and 6 atom-% chlorination, maximum catalytic activity is obtained. Applying longer reaction times do not change significantly the obtained surface composition of the activated chromia. The fluorination and chlorination of chromia was further investigated by various HF and HCl treatments as well. The activated chromia samples and reference samples with well known chemical structure were also characterized by XANES, time of flight - static secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SSIMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorine solid state NMR, pyridine-FTIR, wet chemical (F and Cl) analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and surface area (BET) analysis. The results for the references Cr2O3, Cr(OH)3, CrF2(OH), CrF3.3H2O, alpha-CrF3, beta-CrF3 and CrCl3 and activated Cr2O3 samples were compared. The applied characterization methods suggest that the formation of chromium oxide chloride fluoride species, e.g. chromium oxide halides, at the surface is sufficient to provide catalytic activity. The presence of any CrF3 and/or CrCl3 phases on the activated chromia samples was not detected.

Résumé confidentiel / Résumé confidentiel

Um dos métodos mais utilizados para proteção contra a corrosão de aços comuns consiste na proteção catódica com revestimentos metálicos eletroquimicamente mais ativos, que estes. Os revestimentos de zinco são os mais usados para este tipo de proteção. De forma a protegerem o substrato, estes revestimentos devem atuar como anodos de sacrifício, sofrendo corrosão e transformando o substrato de aço em catodo. Todavia, não é de interesse, que o revestimento de zinco apresente altas taxas de corrosão de forma que a proteção contra a corrosão conferida ao aço seja duradoura. Uma das formas mais empregadas para reduzir a velocidade de corrosão do revestimento de zinco é por meio de tratamentos da superfície, por exemplo, por tratamentos de conversão. Os tratamentos de conversão mais eficientes são os que utilizam e geram rejeitos, que contêm íons de cromo hexavalente. Todavia, estes íons são carcinogênicos e tóxicos e, dessa forma, os processos que os utilizam em alguma etapa do tratamento, vêm sofrendo crescentes restrições, já sendo proibidos em países com leis ambientais mais rígidas. Esta é a razão para o crescente interesse e grande investimento em pesquisa tratamentos, que possam resultar em revestimentos com potencialidade para substituir, de forma eficiente e efetiva o uso do cromo hexavalente. Este foi o objetivo do presente trabalho. Neste estudo, foi investigado o efeito de tratamentos, que resultam em camadas de conversão na presença de ácido oxálico e na proteção contra a corrosão da superfície do zinco. Camadas de conversão foram obtidas por imersão de amostras de zinco em soluções de ácido oxálico (ácido etanodióico) com diferentes concentrações. Todas as soluções de tratamento apresentaram elevada acidez e resultaram em ataque da superfície de zinco com formação de revestimento de conversão com diferentes características. Ensaios preliminares de névoa salina foram então realizados para investigar a proteção conferida pelo sistema revestimento de conversão-verniz contra a corrosão do substrato de zinco. Estes ensaios foram decisivos para a escolha da faixa de concentração do banho de conversão com maior potencial para formação de revestimentos de conversão protetores. Os resultados deste ensaio e os de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica mostraram que tratamentos em soluções com composição superiores a 10-1 M de ácido oxálico resultaram em camadas muito defeituosas, nas quais o ataque localizado do substrato metálico é favorecido, sendo obtidas impedâncias menores que a superfície do zinco sem qualquer tratamento. Os resultados de XPS mostraram, que os revestimentos de conversão formados em soluções de ácido oxálico na faixa de 10-3 M a 10-1 M são compostos de oxalato de zinco e produtos de corrosão do zinco, especificamente ZnO, Zn (OH)2, e ZnCO3. Já a concentração de 10-1 M de ácido oxálico foi a, que produziu os resultados mais promissores com a formação de um revestimento, que conferiu proteção mais duradoura à superfície do zinco entre os obtidos. As espessuras médias das camadas de conversão de oxalato de zinco formadas em soluções com 10-1 M e 1 M de ácido oxálico, estimadas por FIB, foram respectivamente 600 nm e 300 nm, o que mostra que a concentração de 1 M de ácido causou intenso ataque corrosivo da superfície, enquanto a camada formada em meio com 10-1 M permitiu a deposição de camada mais espessa e mais protetora contra a corrosão do substrato. Os resultados de XPS indicaram a degradação da camada de oxalato de zinco com o tempo de ensaio, porém o ataque desta ao longo do ensaio de corrosão, resulta na formação de simonkolleite, identificada por difração de raios X, para períodos mais longos do ensaio de corrosão, no caso do revestimento formado em solução com 10-1 M em comparação a 1M. A simonkolleite atua por efeito barreira bloqueando os defeitos/porosidade da camada. O crescente acúmulo destes produtos de corrosão com a continuidade do processo corrosivo e a aderência destes ao substrato metálico foi indicada para superfície tratada em solução com 10-1 M de ácido oxálico. Finalmente, foi proposto um modelo para interação entre o revestimento de conversão de oxalato de zinco e os produtos de corrosão em que a retenção dos produtos de corrosão na superfície faz com, que a camada na superfície se torne mais espessa e mais compacta com o tempo de exposição ao ensaio de corrosão. Estas observações explicam o aumento de impedância observado com o tempo de ensaio nesta condição. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir, que o revestimento de conversão de oxalato de zinco formado em solução com 10-1 M de ácido oxálico resulta em proteção efetiva do substrato metálico além de apresentar boa aderência com camada de verniz. Estes resultados indicam potencialidade deste tratamento como preparação de superfícies de zinco, que serão recobertas com revestimentos orgânicos (tintas, vernizes ou lacas). / One of the most used methods for protection of common steels is the cathodic protection by galvanic coupling with metallic coatings electrochemically more active than these. Zinc coatings are the most commonly used for this type of protection. In order to protect the metallic substrate, these coatings must act as sacrificial anodes, corroding themselves and converting the steel substrate into cathode. However, it is not appropriate that the zinc coating presents high corrosion rates, so that the corrosion protection conferred to the steel is long-lasting. One of the most commonly employed methods of reducing the corrosion rate of zinc coatings is by surface treatments, such as, conversion treatments. The most efficient conversion treatments to date are those that use hexavalent chromium ions or generate residues containing these ions. However, hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic and toxic and, therefore, the processes that involve their use at some stage of the treatment, are under increasing restrictions, and have already been prohibited in developed countries. This is the reason for the growing interest and great investment in research studies in search for treatments that may result in coatings with the potential to efficiently and effectively replace the use of hexavalent chromium. This was the objective of the present study. In this study, the effect of treatments in oxalic acid solutions that resulted in conversion layers on the corrosion protection of zinc surface has been investigated. Conversion layers were obtained by immersion of zinc samples in solutions of oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid) with different concentrations. All the treatment solutions presented high acidity and resulted in attack of zinc surface and formation of conversion coatings of different characteristics. A layer of varnish was applied and preliminary salt spray tests were then carried out to investigate the corrosion protection provided by the system conversion coating -varnish to the zinc substrate. These tests were decisive for the choice of the conversion bath composition range with greater potentialities for the formation of protective conversion coatings. The results of the salt spray test and of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that treatments in solutions with compositions greater than 10-1 M of oxalic acid resulted in very defective conversion layers in which the localized attack of the metallic substrate is favored, and lower impedances than the zinc surface without any treatment were obtained for surfaces treated in these solution. The XPS results showed that conversion coatings formed in oxalic acid solutions in the range of 10-3 M to 10-1 M are composed of zinc oxalate and zinc corrosion products, specifically ZnO, Zn (OH)2, and ZnCO3. The concentration related to the most promising results was 10-1 M and in this solution, the coating formed that promoted the longer lasting protection of the zinc surface among those obtained. The average thicknesses of the zinc oxalate conversion layers formed in solutions with 10-1 M and 1 M of oxalic acid, estimated by FIB, were respectively 600 nm and 300 nm. This result showed that in 1 M of oxalic acid an intense corrosive attack of the zinc surface occurred, while the layer formed in 10-1 M was thicker and more protective against substrate corrosion. The XPS results indicated degradation of the zinc oxalate layer formed in 10-1 M solution with time of exposure to the test solution, but for the protection of the coating lasted for longer periods, comparatively to that formed in 1M solution, once the attack of the first film resulted in formation of simonkolleite, which was identified by X-ray diffraction. Simonkolleite acts by barrier effect blocking defects / porosity in the conversion layer. The increasing accumulation of corrosion products with test time and their adhesion to the metallic substrate was indicated for surface treated in solution with 10-1 M of oxalic acid. Finally, a model has been proposed for the interaction between the zinc oxalate conversion coating and the corrosion products in which the retention of these products on the surface is promoted by the conversion coating and the surface layer becomes thicker and more compact with time of exposure. These observations explain the increased impedance observed with the test time associated to this coating. The obtained results allowed concluding that the conversion coating of zinc oxalate formed in solution with 10-1 M of oxalic acid results in effective protection of the metallic substrate besides promoting good adhesion with a layer of varnish. These results indicate the potential of this treatment as preparation of zinc surfaces that will be covered with organic coatings (paints, varnishes or lacquers).

In this work the two experimental dental implant materials FAT and FAW, made of fluoroapatite particles embedded in polymer matrices, and films of the proteins lysozyme, amylase and bovine serum albumin (BSA), adsorbed to the two dental implant materials, were investigated with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and the multivariate data analysis technique discriminant principal component analysis (DPCA).

Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is an age-related condition characterized by the production and accumulation of extracellular fibrillary material in the anterior segment of the eye. PEX predisposes for several pathological conditions, such as glaucoma and complications during and after cataract surgery. The pathogenesis of PEX is not yet fully understood. It is multifactorial with genetics and ageing as contributing factors. We aimed to study the proteome in aqueous humor (AH) in PEX in order to increase the knowledge about its pathophysiology. Therefore, we developed sampling techniques and evaluated separation methods necessary for analyzing small sample volumes. Other objectives were to study the lens capsule in eyes with PEX regarding small molecules, and to investigate the association between PEX and cataract surgery in a population-based 30-year follow-up study. Samples of AH from eyes with PEX and control eyes were collected during cataract surgery. In pooled, and individual samples, various liquid based separation techniques and high resolution mass spectrometry were utilized. For quantitation, various methods for labeling, and label free techniques were applied. Lens capsules were collected from some of the patients, and analysed by imaging mass spectrometry. A cohort of 1,471 elderly individuals underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination at baseline. Medical information was obtained by questionnaires, and from medical records. Incident cases of cataract surgery were identified by review of medical records. In the initial study, several techniques were explored for protein detection, and a number of proteins were identified as differentially expressed. In the individually labelled samples, changes in the proteome were observed. Eyes with PEX contained higher levels of proteins involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and coagulation, suggesting that these mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis in PEX. The levels of β/γ-crystallins were significantly increased in PEX, which is a novel finding. In the lens capsules from individuals with PEX, changes in the lipid composition was observed with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. These changes remain to be elucidated. By multivariate analysis, lens opacities were the first, and PEX the second most important predictor for cataract surgery, the later accounting for a 2.38-fold increased risk for cataract surgery.

The combination of analytical sensitivity and selectivity provided by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), with advanced statistical interrogation by principal component analysis (PCA), has allowed a significant advancement in the forensic discrimination of pen, pencil and glass materials based on trace characterisation.

Um dos métodos mais utilizados para proteção contra a corrosão de aços comuns consiste na proteção catódica com revestimentos metálicos eletroquimicamente mais ativos, que estes. Os revestimentos de zinco são os mais usados para este tipo de proteção. De forma a protegerem o substrato, estes revestimentos devem atuar como anodos de sacrifício, sofrendo corrosão e transformando o substrato de aço em catodo. Todavia, não é de interesse, que o revestimento de zinco apresente altas taxas de corrosão de forma que a proteção contra a corrosão conferida ao aço seja duradoura. Uma das formas mais empregadas para reduzir a velocidade de corrosão do revestimento de zinco é por meio de tratamentos da superfície, por exemplo, por tratamentos de conversão. Os tratamentos de conversão mais eficientes são os que utilizam e geram rejeitos, que contêm íons de cromo hexavalente. Todavia, estes íons são carcinogênicos e tóxicos e, dessa forma, os processos que os utilizam em alguma etapa do tratamento, vêm sofrendo crescentes restrições, já sendo proibidos em países com leis ambientais mais rígidas. Esta é a razão para o crescente interesse e grande investimento em pesquisa tratamentos, que possam resultar em revestimentos com potencialidade para substituir, de forma eficiente e efetiva o uso do cromo hexavalente. Este foi o objetivo do presente trabalho. Neste estudo, foi investigado o efeito de tratamentos, que resultam em camadas de conversão na presença de ácido oxálico e na proteção contra a corrosão da superfície do zinco. Camadas de conversão foram obtidas por imersão de amostras de zinco em soluções de ácido oxálico (ácido etanodióico) com diferentes concentrações. Todas as soluções de tratamento apresentaram elevada acidez e resultaram em ataque da superfície de zinco com formação de revestimento de conversão com diferentes características. Ensaios preliminares de névoa salina foram então realizados para investigar a proteção conferida pelo sistema revestimento de conversão-verniz contra a corrosão do substrato de zinco. Estes ensaios foram decisivos para a escolha da faixa de concentração do banho de conversão com maior potencial para formação de revestimentos de conversão protetores. Os resultados deste ensaio e os de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica mostraram que tratamentos em soluções com composição superiores a 10-1 M de ácido oxálico resultaram em camadas muito defeituosas, nas quais o ataque localizado do substrato metálico é favorecido, sendo obtidas impedâncias menores que a superfície do zinco sem qualquer tratamento. Os resultados de XPS mostraram, que os revestimentos de conversão formados em soluções de ácido oxálico na faixa de 10-3 M a 10-1 M são compostos de oxalato de zinco e produtos de corrosão do zinco, especificamente ZnO, Zn (OH)2, e ZnCO3. Já a concentração de 10-1 M de ácido oxálico foi a, que produziu os resultados mais promissores com a formação de um revestimento, que conferiu proteção mais duradoura à superfície do zinco entre os obtidos. As espessuras médias das camadas de conversão de oxalato de zinco formadas em soluções com 10-1 M e 1 M de ácido oxálico, estimadas por FIB, foram respectivamente 600 nm e 300 nm, o que mostra que a concentração de 1 M de ácido causou intenso ataque corrosivo da superfície, enquanto a camada formada em meio com 10-1 M permitiu a deposição de camada mais espessa e mais protetora contra a corrosão do substrato. Os resultados de XPS indicaram a degradação da camada de oxalato de zinco com o tempo de ensaio, porém o ataque desta ao longo do ensaio de corrosão, resulta na formação de simonkolleite, identificada por difração de raios X, para períodos mais longos do ensaio de corrosão, no caso do revestimento formado em solução com 10-1 M em comparação a 1M. A simonkolleite atua por efeito barreira bloqueando os defeitos/porosidade da camada. O crescente acúmulo destes produtos de corrosão com a continuidade do processo corrosivo e a aderência destes ao substrato metálico foi indicada para superfície tratada em solução com 10-1 M de ácido oxálico. Finalmente, foi proposto um modelo para interação entre o revestimento de conversão de oxalato de zinco e os produtos de corrosão em que a retenção dos produtos de corrosão na superfície faz com, que a camada na superfície se torne mais espessa e mais compacta com o tempo de exposição ao ensaio de corrosão. Estas observações explicam o aumento de impedância observado com o tempo de ensaio nesta condição. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir, que o revestimento de conversão de oxalato de zinco formado em solução com 10-1 M de ácido oxálico resulta em proteção efetiva do substrato metálico além de apresentar boa aderência com camada de verniz. Estes resultados indicam potencialidade deste tratamento como preparação de superfícies de zinco, que serão recobertas com revestimentos orgânicos (tintas, vernizes ou lacas). / One of the most used methods for protection of common steels is the cathodic protection by galvanic coupling with metallic coatings electrochemically more active than these. Zinc coatings are the most commonly used for this type of protection. In order to protect the metallic substrate, these coatings must act as sacrificial anodes, corroding themselves and converting the steel substrate into cathode. However, it is not appropriate that the zinc coating presents high corrosion rates, so that the corrosion protection conferred to the steel is long-lasting. One of the most commonly employed methods of reducing the corrosion rate of zinc coatings is by surface treatments, such as, conversion treatments. The most efficient conversion treatments to date are those that use hexavalent chromium ions or generate residues containing these ions. However, hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic and toxic and, therefore, the processes that involve their use at some stage of the treatment, are under increasing restrictions, and have already been prohibited in developed countries. This is the reason for the growing interest and great investment in research studies in search for treatments that may result in coatings with the potential to efficiently and effectively replace the use of hexavalent chromium. This was the objective of the present study. In this study, the effect of treatments in oxalic acid solutions that resulted in conversion layers on the corrosion protection of zinc surface has been investigated. Conversion layers were obtained by immersion of zinc samples in solutions of oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid) with different concentrations. All the treatment solutions presented high acidity and resulted in attack of zinc surface and formation of conversion coatings of different characteristics. A layer of varnish was applied and preliminary salt spray tests were then carried out to investigate the corrosion protection provided by the system conversion coating -varnish to the zinc substrate. These tests were decisive for the choice of the conversion bath composition range with greater potentialities for the formation of protective conversion coatings. The results of the salt spray test and of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that treatments in solutions with compositions greater than 10-1 M of oxalic acid resulted in very defective conversion layers in which the localized attack of the metallic substrate is favored, and lower impedances than the zinc surface without any treatment were obtained for surfaces treated in these solution. The XPS results showed that conversion coatings formed in oxalic acid solutions in the range of 10-3 M to 10-1 M are composed of zinc oxalate and zinc corrosion products, specifically ZnO, Zn (OH)2, and ZnCO3. The concentration related to the most promising results was 10-1 M and in this solution, the coating formed that promoted the longer lasting protection of the zinc surface among those obtained. The average thicknesses of the zinc oxalate conversion layers formed in solutions with 10-1 M and 1 M of oxalic acid, estimated by FIB, were respectively 600 nm and 300 nm. This result showed that in 1 M of oxalic acid an intense corrosive attack of the zinc surface occurred, while the layer formed in 10-1 M was thicker and more protective against substrate corrosion. The XPS results indicated degradation of the zinc oxalate layer formed in 10-1 M solution with time of exposure to the test solution, but for the protection of the coating lasted for longer periods, comparatively to that formed in 1M solution, once the attack of the first film resulted in formation of simonkolleite, which was identified by X-ray diffraction. Simonkolleite acts by barrier effect blocking defects / porosity in the conversion layer. The increasing accumulation of corrosion products with test time and their adhesion to the metallic substrate was indicated for surface treated in solution with 10-1 M of oxalic acid. Finally, a model has been proposed for the interaction between the zinc oxalate conversion coating and the corrosion products in which the retention of these products on the surface is promoted by the conversion coating and the surface layer becomes thicker and more compact with time of exposure. These observations explain the increased impedance observed with the test time associated to this coating. The obtained results allowed concluding that the conversion coating of zinc oxalate formed in solution with 10-1 M of oxalic acid results in effective protection of the metallic substrate besides promoting good adhesion with a layer of varnish. These results indicate the potential of this treatment as preparation of zinc surfaces that will be covered with organic coatings (paints, varnishes or lacquers).