This Thesis describes the synthesis and reactivity of Group 5 imido and hydrazido complexes with tridentate, trianionic ligands. Various synthetic routes towards these hydrazido compounds were explored and in which several intermediates were synthesised and their chemistry was explored. The reactivity of the imido and hydrazido complexes with unsaturated and other small molecules was also studied. <b>Chapter One</b> provides a general introduction to tridentate pincer and tripodal ligands. The structure, synthesis and reactivity of Group 4 and 5 imido and hydrazido complexes is also reviewed. <b>Chapter Two</b> describes three different synthetic routes towards tantalum hydrazido complexes with tridentate, trianionic ligands. Synthesis, characterization and bonding analysis of the precursor dichloride species Ta(NN₂^SiMe3)Cl₂, which is used as starting material for two of the synthetic routes, is also described. The synthesis, characterization and bonding analysis of the tantalum dialkyl and alkyl-amido precursors prepared in the multistep route is also explored. <b>Chapter Three</b> describes the synthesis and characterisation of Group 5 imido complexes with tridentate, trianionic ligands of the type Li₃(NN₂^R) and Li₃(NNN^SiMe3). Reactivity studies of the imido complex Nb(NN₂iPr)(N^tBu)(py)₂ with unsaturated and other small molecules are also explored. <b>Chapter Four</b> describes the synthesis and characterisation of Group 5 hydrazido complexes with tridentate, trianionic ligands by two different synthetic routes, alongside a bonding analysis of the imido compounds M(NN₂^R)(N^tBu)(py)₂ and their hydrazido analogues M(NN₂^R)(NNPh₂)(L)_x. Reactivity studies of the hydrazido complex Nb(NN₂^iPr)(NNPh₂)(py)₂ with unsaturated and other small substrates are also described. <b>Chapter Five</b> presents full experimental procedures and characterising data for the new methodologies and complexes reported in this Thesis.

Reverse combustion is a process converting CO2 into its different reduced/hydrogenated forms while, ideally, oxygen is being released. Understanding how CO2 is interacting/reacting with vanadium (main component in the CB of m-BiVO4) in different oxidation states was our main goal. In this thesis we have attempted to contribute to the ongoing efforts for overcoming the formidable challenges posed by H2 production and CO2 activation. In the process to prove the role of each metal during a reverse combustion process mediated by m-BiVO4, several strategies were followed to prepare pure monoclinic BiVO4 using different starting materials (Chapter 2). Hydrothermal processes in an autoclave were determined as the most efficient way to obtain m-BiVO4. Photoirradiation experiments were performed in-situ and analyzed by EPR, demonstrating that a photoexcited species was generated. EPR spectra were compared with VO2, which suggested that one electron is being transferred from the VB to the CB in the photoexcitation process, in this case forming a vanadium(IV). This experiment suggested that the reduction process of CO2 is possibly occurring through a one-electron transfer process. Several attempts were made unsuccessfully to prepare a bismuth vanadate-like compound containing only vanadium(IV) in its structure. Bi4V2O10 was obtained where the vanadium atom was present in a lower oxidation state but with different Bi/V ratio than in BiVO4. This species does not present any photo-catalytic activity. Instead, it presented mild reactivity in hydrogen formation from formaldehyde in basic media. Photocatalytic experiments on pure m-BiVO4 in the presence of water and CO2 were performed and methanol was obtained as a product. In this process, vanadium leached out from the structure affording a mixture of V(IV) and V(V). On the surface of the remaining m-BiVO4, Bi2O4−x was deposited as a result of the loss of vanadium. The initial idea behind the preparation of a compound different to BiVO4 was to produce a new photocatalyst that preserves the electronic characteristics of vanadium(V) as well as being a semiconductor (Chapter 3). In addition, a higher oxidation state than the vanadium +5 could provide longer electron-hole recombination times and increase lifetime of the photogenerated electrons. By having a +6-oxidation state, such as provided by a Cr atom, it could give a better chance to improve the reduction of CO2 by facilitating oxygen release. Unfortunately, photochemical activity was not observed under any conditions. On the other hand, both monoclinic and orthorhombic BiOHCrO4 were tested for formic acid thermal decomposition. These two unique crystal structures were analyzed by single crystal XRD. The monoclinic isomer displays a much higher thermal resilience and was chosen for the degradation of formic acid studies. During the process, an active species of BiCrO4 was formed and identified. When using vanadium aryloxide compounds in an oxidation state lower than +5 as possible reagents to reduce CO2, interesting results were obtained (Chapter 4). These compounds were prepared aiming at mimicking the reduction of CO2 as performed by hypothetically formed lower valent vanadium. As presented in chapter 2, during the photoirradiation of BiVO4 a new vanadium species is formed. EPR experiments indicated that it could be V(IV). As a result, while vanadium(IV) showed negligible reduction/interaction with CO2, vanadium(III) aryloxide was a powerful reductant. Experiments attempting to control the electron transfer to CO2 resulted in two different outcomes. Firstly, a two-electron transfer from the metal center to CO2 was obtained affording CO and vanadyl(V) tris-aryloxide. Secondly the introduction of a halogen in the metal coordination sphere of a vanadium(III) compound triggered a radical behavior. The use of a compound of vanadium(II) with polydentate oxygen-donor based ligand still yielded CO. However, an intermediate V-O-V moiety was formed in turn performing radical H atom extraction from the solvent through an unprecedented pattern of reactivity. DFT calculations confirmed the nature of the electronic transfer and the formation of V-O-V that acted as an intermediate for the second CO2 interaction. We successfully arrested the reaction to isolate an intermediate and an unprecedented (ONNO)V(OH)-OCO compound was isolated and fully characterized. This CO2 complex provide the second example of a linearly end on bonded CO2 and the first case of such a bonding mode to a transition element. A further study of the reactivity of the vanadium trivalent state was carried out by modifying the ligand to H2ONOO and secondly, by introducing a Cl atom as in LV-Cl (L = ONNO or ONOO) to enable the formation of derivative such as p-methoxy-phenoxide and methoxide ligands via simple ligand substitution. Unfortunately, the (ONOO)2- ligand quenched the reducing power such that no reaction was observed with CO2. Halogen replacement afforded (ONNO)V(p-methoxy-phenoxide)(THF) which displayed no reactivity with CO2, but once the p-methoxy-phenoxide ligand was replaced by a methoxide group, formaldehyde and formate were formed. The DFT proposed mechanism presented an interesting interaction wherein the cis- position in [V(ONNO)]+ is responsible for the H transfer to occur Finally, we have prepared a heterobimetallic system containing Bi-V atoms (Chapter 6). The oxidation states of Bi and V were +3 and +5 respectively. One pot reaction was the most adequate procedure to obtain the heterobimetallic structure. Trasmetallation on Bi compounds by V atoms was observed when attempting to build the heterobimetallic structure using more rational reaction pathways. Attempts to obtain a heterobimetallic structure in oxidation states different than that presented in m-BiVO4 were unsuccessful. When oxidation states lower than +5 for vanadium (vanadium(III-II)) and +3 in bismuth were used, metallic bismuth and untreatable materials with a mixed-valence vanadium were formed.

Neste trabalho investigamos o comportamento estrutural da matriz de pentóxido de vanádio hidratado (V205.nH20) em função da presença de convidados moleculares intercalados. Para tanto utilizamos uma ftalocianina de cobre tetrassulfonada (CuPcTs), comercial da Aldrich. A intercalação desta no espaçamento interlamelar da matriz foi feita por dois procedimentos distintos. O primeiro consistiu em adicionar a solução de CuPcTS sobre a superficie da matriz previamente preparada, e deixar difundir em função da expansão lamelar provocada pelo solvente. O segundo método, que denominamos \'Ascenção Capilar\', consistiu em deixar a matriz em contato com a solução apenas por uma de suas bordas, controlando-se o tempo necessário para atingir a parte superior da matriz. Para caracterizar e diferenciar as amostras intercaladas ou não, utilizamos uma bateria de técnicas, como: difração de raios-X, espectroscopia eletrônica por transmissão e reflectância, espectroscopia vibracional raman ressonante e FTIR (por transmissão e reflectância), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE) e análise elementar de CHN. Com base nessas técnicas foi possível constatar que a intercalação aumenta o grau de cristalinidade das amostras, e que a ftalocianina se orienta paralelamente às lamelas. O método de Ascenção Capilar conduz a amostras com menor grau de deposição superficial. / The intercalation behavior of hydrated vanadium(V)-oxide xerogels (V2O5.nH2O) in the presence of a molecular guest, e.g. copper(II)-tetrasulphonated phtalocyanine, has heen investigated. Two distinct routes of intercalation have been employed. The conventional procedure consists in directly applying the phtalocyanine solution onto the freshly prepared films of the vanadium(V)-oxide host, and allowing enough time for interlamelar diffusion and drying. The alternative procedure employs an arrangement where the films are kept in a vertical position, in contact with the surface of the phtalocyanine solution, until the ascension by capillary diffusion is complete. The caracterization of the nanocomposites, and differentiation between the intercalated and adsorbed species was pursued with the use of a number of techniques, such as X-ray diffractometry, electronic and vibrational spectroscopy (absorption, and reflectance and resonance Raman), scanning electron microscopy, electronic paramagnetic resonance, and elemental analysis. The experimental results show that the intercalation proceeds with a parallel orientation of the phtalocyanine molecules within interlamelar planes, leading to an increse of the internal order or crystallinity. The samples prepared by vertical capillary diffusion exhibited a smaller degree of contamination with the adsorbed phtalocyanine at the film surface, in comparison to the conventional procedure.

Les matériaux vitreux sont de bons candidats pour répondre à des applications à haute température, comme par exemple des joints de scellement pour piles à combustibles ou des revêtements de protection. Ils restent toutefois des matériaux fragiles susceptibles de se fissurer sous sollicitations thermiques ou mécaniques. Des études ont montré qu’ils présentent la capacité de s'auto-réparer sans intervention extérieure, par mécanisme de cicatrisation autonome. Cette dernière est obtenue par ajout d'un agent de cicatrisation (particules actives) à la matrice vitreuse. Lors de l'apparition d'une fissure, les particules métalliques s'oxydent au contact de l'atmosphère à haute température pour former des oxydes fluides qui s’écoulent dans la fissure et forment un nouveau verre par réaction avec la matrice. Nos travaux ont eu pour objectif de comprendre le fonctionnement et les mécanismes de cicatrisation dans la gamme de température 500-800°C, à partir de particules génératrices des oxydes V2O5 et B2O3. Les influences des paramètres environnementaux et de la composition chimique du système sur la capacité de cicatrisation, ont été étudiées in situ par microscopie environnementale à haute température. Afin de répondre à des applications dans le domaine aéronautique, nous avons fait évoluer le système vers de plus hautes températures. La capacité de cicatrisation de nouveaux composites plus réfractaires a été étudiée dans la gamme 1000-1200°C. La mise en œuvre de matériaux auto-cicatrisants en couches minces permet d'envisager des applications en tant que revêtement. Nous avons ainsi montré la faisabilité de dépôts de ces matériaux par la technique d'ablation laser pulsée. / Glassy materials are good candidates for high temperature applications, such as sealant for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) or protective coatings. To overcome cracking of the glass when subjected to thermal cycles, self-healing has been shown to be a promising solution. The self-healing property is defined as the capacity of a material to recover its mechanical integrity and initial properties after destructive actions of external environment or under internal stresses. An autonomous self-healing of cracks can be achieved using a healing agent (active particles) incorporated into the glass matrix. When a crack occurs, the active particles will oxidize by contact with the atmosphere at high temperature to form fluid oxides capable to fill the crack and to form a new glass after reaction with the glass matrix. Our aim intended to understand the self-healing mechanism in the temperature range of 500-800°C, using particles leading to the formation of the V2O5 and B2O3 oxides. Influence of environmental parameters and chemical composition of the system on the self-healing capability has been investigated using high temperature environmental microscopy (HT-ESEM).In order to access to aeronautical applications, we studied the capacity of more refractory composites to produce crack healing at higher temperature (>1000°C). The elaboration of such self-healing materials as thin layers would enable their application as protective coating. The last part of our work aimed at studying the deposition of glass and active particles by pulsed laser deposition.

Neste trabalho investigamos o comportamento estrutural da matriz de pentóxido de vanádio hidratado (V205.nH20) em função da presença de convidados moleculares intercalados. Para tanto utilizamos uma ftalocianina de cobre tetrassulfonada (CuPcTs), comercial da Aldrich. A intercalação desta no espaçamento interlamelar da matriz foi feita por dois procedimentos distintos. O primeiro consistiu em adicionar a solução de CuPcTS sobre a superficie da matriz previamente preparada, e deixar difundir em função da expansão lamelar provocada pelo solvente. O segundo método, que denominamos \'Ascenção Capilar\', consistiu em deixar a matriz em contato com a solução apenas por uma de suas bordas, controlando-se o tempo necessário para atingir a parte superior da matriz. Para caracterizar e diferenciar as amostras intercaladas ou não, utilizamos uma bateria de técnicas, como: difração de raios-X, espectroscopia eletrônica por transmissão e reflectância, espectroscopia vibracional raman ressonante e FTIR (por transmissão e reflectância), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE) e análise elementar de CHN. Com base nessas técnicas foi possível constatar que a intercalação aumenta o grau de cristalinidade das amostras, e que a ftalocianina se orienta paralelamente às lamelas. O método de Ascenção Capilar conduz a amostras com menor grau de deposição superficial. / The intercalation behavior of hydrated vanadium(V)-oxide xerogels (V2O5.nH2O) in the presence of a molecular guest, e.g. copper(II)-tetrasulphonated phtalocyanine, has heen investigated. Two distinct routes of intercalation have been employed. The conventional procedure consists in directly applying the phtalocyanine solution onto the freshly prepared films of the vanadium(V)-oxide host, and allowing enough time for interlamelar diffusion and drying. The alternative procedure employs an arrangement where the films are kept in a vertical position, in contact with the surface of the phtalocyanine solution, until the ascension by capillary diffusion is complete. The caracterization of the nanocomposites, and differentiation between the intercalated and adsorbed species was pursued with the use of a number of techniques, such as X-ray diffractometry, electronic and vibrational spectroscopy (absorption, and reflectance and resonance Raman), scanning electron microscopy, electronic paramagnetic resonance, and elemental analysis. The experimental results show that the intercalation proceeds with a parallel orientation of the phtalocyanine molecules within interlamelar planes, leading to an increse of the internal order or crystallinity. The samples prepared by vertical capillary diffusion exhibited a smaller degree of contamination with the adsorbed phtalocyanine at the film surface, in comparison to the conventional procedure.

Esta tese apresenta um estudo detalhado das propriedades eletroquímicas dos nanocompósitos de V2O5.nH2O e poli(pirrol) sobre a superfície de eletrodos. Demonstramos aqui que pelo controle de parâmetros de síntese é possível alterar a composição das interfaces eletroquímicas dos eletrodos modificados, fazendo com que o poli(pirrol) esteja por cima, por baixo ou dentro do V2O5 que recobre os eletrodos. Esta diferenciação estrutural tem repercussão nas propriedades eletroquímicas e espectroscópicas dos eletrodos modificados. Desenvolvemos além disto um método para gerar matrizes de V2O5.nH2O, assim como nanocompósitos com poli(pirrol) que possuam anisotropia elétrica tridimensional, propriedade útil em eletrônica. Na última parte do trabalho, poli(pirrol) foi inserido em matrizes de intercalação do tipo BV (V2O5.nH2O estabilizado com esmectita) gerando materiais estáveis em meio aquoso e adequados modificadores de eletrodos, viabilizando a exploração das propriedades dos compósitos de V2O5/poli(pirrol) em água. / This thesis focuses on the electrochemical properties of V2O5.nH2O and its poly(pyrrole) nanocomposites over electrodes. We demonstrate that it is possible, by controlling synthetic procedures, to change the composition of the modified electrodes interfaces, leaving poly(pyrrole) over, under or inside the V2O5 films covering the electrodes. This structural differenciation repercutes on the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the modified electrodes. We have developed also a method to generate V2O5.nH2O matrices as well as their nanocomposites with poly(pyrrole) showing tridimensional electrical anisotropy, a useful property in electronics. Additionally, poly(pyrrole) has been inserted into BV (smectite stabilized V2O5.nH2O) matrices, generating stable materials in aqueous medium, conveying to this, the properties of V2O5/poly(pyrrole) nanocomposites modified electrodes.

Óxidos mistos são potencialmente utilizados como catalisadores por apresentarem áreas superficiais específicas elevadas, estabilidade térmica e uma distribuição homogênea dos cátions inseridos na estrutura. Nas últimas décadas tem sido investigado o uso de óxidos metálicos de transição como catalisadores para a oxidação seletiva de alcanos de baixo peso molecular. Atualmente a investigação vem sendo explorada com o uso de vanádio como metal ativo em catalisadores para a produção de parafinas leves. O objetivo deste trabalho foi preparar e caracterizar óxidos mistos V-Mg-Al. Para a obtenção dos óxidos, foram preparados, como precursores, compostos tipo hidrotalcita (hidróxidos duplos lamelares, LDHs) de Mg-Al intercalados com V2O7 4-, HV2O7 3- e VO3 -. Os precursores tipo hidrotalcitas oligovanadatos pilarizadas foram sintetizados por dois métodos diferentes, dos quais o primeiro consiste em uma reação de coprecipitação sob pH variável, a partir da mistura das soluções de nitrato de magnésio, nitrato de alumínio e metavanadato de sódio. Por este método foram preparados os compostos LDH-MgAl(V2O7)c, LDHMgAl(HV2O7)c e LDH-MgAl(VO3)c. O segundo método foi o de troca aniônica, pelo qual os íons vanadatos substituem os íons interlamelares de um precursor previamente preparado. O precursor foi sintetizado através da mistura das soluções de nitratos de sódio, magnésio e alumínio, e uma solução de metavanadato de sódio foi utilizada para a troca aniônica. O composto LDH-MgAl(V2O7)t foi obtido através deste método. Os precursores foram caracterizados por XRD e TG/DTG. Os catalisadores de óxidos mistos V-Mg-Al foram então obtidos a partir da decomposição térmica dos LDHs, nas temperaturas de calcinação de 450, 550 e 650°C. Todos os catalisadores foram caracterizados por XRD, adsorção de nitrogênio (área específica e volume de poros), espectroscopia Raman, FTIR, DRS-UV-vis, FE-SEM, TPR, e suas propriedades ácidas e básicas foram avaliadas na reação de decomposição do isopropanol. Diferentes espécies de vanadatos foram identificadas nos óxidos mistos V-Mg-Al, pelas análises de XRD, Raman, FTIR e DRS, como V2O5, Mg3V2O8 e ?-Mg2V2O7, entre outras espécies. Pelos resultados da reação de decomposição do isopropanol, foi verificado que a presença de vanádio nas amostras aumentou a atividade catalítica, devido ao aumento dos sítios ácidos gerados por este composto. As amostras MgAl(HV2O7)Yc e MgAl(VO3)Yc, em geral, foram as mais ativas na decomposição do isopropanol, devido à maior densidade dos sítios ativos de VOx. / Mixed oxides are potentially used as catalysts for presenting a high specific surface area, thermal stability and homogeneous distribution of cations introduced in the structure. In the last decades, has been investigated the use of transition metal oxides as catalysts for selective oxidation of alkanes of low molecular weight. Currently, the investigation has been explored through the use of vanadium as the active metal in catalysts for the production of light paraffins. The objective of this work was to prepare and to characterize V-Mg-Al mixed oxide. To obtain the oxides were prepared, as precursors, hydrotalcite-like compounds (layered double hydroxides, LDHs) of Mg-Al intercalated with V2O7 4-, HV2O7 3- andVO3 -. The precursors like pillared oligovanadate hydrotalcites were synthesized by two different methods, of which the first consists in a coprecipitation reaction under variable pH, from the mixture of magnesium nitrate, aluminum nitrate and sodium metavanadate solutions. The LDH-MgAl(V2O7)c, LDH-MgAl(HV2O7)c e LDHMgAl( VO3)c compounds were prepared by this method. The second method was the anion exchange, whereby the vanadate ions replace the interlayer ions of a previously prepared precursor. The precursor was synthesized by mixing solutions of sodium, magnesium and aluminum nitrates, and a sodium metavanadate solution was used for the anion exchange. The LDH-MgAl(V2O7)t compound was obtained by this method. The precursors were characterized by XRD and TG/DTG. Then the V-Mg-Al mixed oxides catalysts were obtained from the LDHs thermal decomposition, in the calcination temperatures at 450, 550 and 650 °C. All catalysts were characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption (specific surface area and pore volume), Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, UV-vis-DRS, FE-SEM, TPR, and its acidic and basic properties were evaluated in the isopropanol decomposition reaction. Different vanadate species were identified in the V-Mg-Al mixed oxides, by XRD, Raman, FTIR and DRS analysis, as V2O5, and Mg3V2O8 e ?-Mg2V2O7, among other species. By the results of isopropanol decomposition reaction, it was found that the presence of vanadium in the samples increased the catalytic activity due to the increase of acidic sites generated by this compound. MgAl(HV2O7)Yc e MgAl(VO3)Yc samples, in general, were the most active in the isopropanol decomposition, due to the higher density of VOx active sites.

Compósitos de xerogel de pentóxido de vanádio (VXG) com cucurbit[6]urila (CB[6]), hemicucurbit[6]urila (HCB[6]) e oxovanadio(IV)cucurbit[6]urila (CB[6]VO) em diferentes concentrações foram preparados por mistura mecânica dos macrociclos com o gel de V2O5. Misturas homogêneas foram obtidas para quantidades até 10% em mol de CB[6] e HCB[6], e 1% de CB[6]VO. Estes macrociclos foram intercalados nos espaços interlamelares do VXG como mostram os dados de difração de raios-X (DRX), aumentando o espaço interlamelar e criando dois domínios cristalográficos distintos. As propriedades estruturais e composição destes intercalados foram estudadas por espectroscopia no infravermelho, análise termogravimétrica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia de força atômica. Ensaios eletroquímicos mostraram que a capacidade específica de carga inicial do VXG (158 mA.h.g-1) melhora com a presença de CB[6] (168 mA.h.g-1), da HCB[6] (200 mA.h.g-1), e principalmente com CB[6]VO (230 mA.h.g-1), em filmes finos com baixa concentração dos macrociclos. Isto supera a capacidade de eletrodos de bateria comerciais. Nos intercalados com CB[6] a complexação dos íons Li+ com seus opérculos prejudica a reversibilidade na inserção/desinserção deste íon, diminuindo drasticamente a ciclabilidade de carga/descarga; a presença da HCB[6], que não complexa com o íon Li+, não sustenta a estrutura do VXG ao longo de vários ciclos, por não ser um macrociclo rígido. A presença de CB[6]VO parece estabilizar a estrutura do VXG oferencendo caminhos alternativos na difusão do íon Li+, que não complexa com os opérculos da CB obstruído pelo ion VO2+, aumentando a ciclabilidade, mantendo sua carga específica em aproximadamente 88% após 40 ciclos cronopotenciométricos. / Cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]), hemi-cucurbit[6]uril (HCB[6]), and oxovanadium(IV)cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]VO) vanadium pentoxide composites were prepared in several mole ratios by mechanically mixing the macrocycles and the V2O5 gel. Homogeneous mixtures were obtained for amounts as high as 10% in mol of CB[6] and HCB[6] and 1% of CB[6]VO. These macrocycles were intercalated in VXG interlamellar space as we could demonstrate with X-ray powder diffraction experiments (XRPD),which clearly show basal distance expansions and the formation of two crystallographic domains. The structural properties of such intercalates as well as their composition were studied with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimmetric analysis, sweeping electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Electrochemical experiments have shown that the initial specific charge capacity of VXG (158 mA.h.g1) was enhanced with the addition of CB[6] (168 mA.h.g1) and HCB[6] (200 mA.h.g1) and even more with (230 mA.h.g1) in thin films with low macrocycle amounts. These capacities exceed commercial batteries electrodes. Complexation of CB[6] with Li+ ions in CB[6]/VXG intercalates reduces considerably the reversibility of insertion/expulsion of this ion, reducing drastically its charge/discharge cyclability. The presence of HCB[6], who does not bind Li+ ions, is not rigid enough to sustain the oxide structure during many cycles. The presence of CB[6]VO seems to stabilize the VXG structure and offers alternative pathways for Li+ diffusion. It does not bind these ions since the occulli are occupied by VO2+ ions, enhancing cyclability. Its specific charge remains as high as 88% of the maximum charge capacity after 40 chronopotentiometric cycles.

Este trabalho, realizado em cooperação com a Gerdau Riograndense, tem por finalidade avaliar o comportamento do aço GG1013-M, um aço baixo teor de carbono microligado com vanádio e manganês, na laminação a quente no que tange a sua resistência à deformação, possibilitando assim a tomada de decisão em relação a modificações no processo. Foram realizados testes em simulador termomecânico Gleeble™ para determinação das temperaturas a serem usadas no teste prático no laminador, onde testou-se lotes que cobrissem toda a amplitude da faixa de composição química da qualidade do aço em estudo. No teste prático no laminador, foram retiradas amostras para os ensaios mecânicos, onde identificou-se, por intermédio do tratamento de dados em software estatístico, a influência da variação dentro da faixa da composição química sobre os limites de escoamento e resistência. Como resultado, conseguiu-se determinar a faixa de temperatura mais provável, onde a resistência a deformação a quente é menor, minimizando ou eliminando as conseqüências da redução de ductilidade a quente por conta do endurecimento da matriz por precipitação dos elementos de liga em forma de compostos. / This work was conducted in cooperation with Gerdau Riograndense aiming at the evaluation of the hot rolling behavior of a low carbon steel microalloyed with manganese and vanadium (internally GG1013-M steel).The deformation resistance was evaluated, allowing for the decision in relation to changes in the process. A thermomechanical simulator GleebleTM was used to determine the temperatures to be used in practical tests in the rolling mill, where it was tested different material batches covering the large range of chemical compositions for this kind of steel. Mechanical tests were performed on samples taken from the practical tests in the rolling mill. From this tests the influence of chemical composition variation on the yeld strength and maximum stress was studied. As a result, we were able to determine the most likely range of temperatures for a minimization of hot strentgh, therefore also minimizing or eliminating the consequences of the reduction in the hot ductility due precipitation hardening of the matrix.

A síntese, caracterização e propriedades de um novo compósito xerogel formado por óxido de vanádio e óxido de silício, com alta concentração de vanádio foi o objetivo deste trabalho. O compósito xerogel foi obtido mediante a formação de uma rede complexa envolvendo a condensação de polioxovanadato em meio aquoso com concomitante hidrólise e condensação de um alcóxido de silício. Conseqüentemente, este método possibilitou a obtenção de um material multicomponente homogêneo, no qual a rede Si O Si está interpenetrada com as cadeias poliméricas V-O- V e V-OH-V, promovendo uma solubilidade mútua, devido a formação de ligações cruzadas. Além disso, resultados experimentais apontam que, mesmo após a imobilização em matriz de sílica, a estrutura bi-dimensional, bem como as propriedades eletroquímicas do xerogel de pentóxido de vanádio são preservadas. A atividade catalítica do material obtido também foi avaliada na oxidação do cicloocteno e do estireno na fase líquida. O compósito xerogel V2O5/SiO2 obtido com tetraetiltrietóxisilano (TEOS), mediante catálise básica, o qual apresentou área superficial elevada (324 m2/g), e apresentou atividade catalítica em reações de oxidação do estireno e do cicloocteno na presença de PhIO como doador de oxigênio. Contudo, estes materiais apresentaram propriedades eletroquímicas inferiores as do xerogel de pentóxido de vanádio. Por outro lado, o comportamento eletroquímico óxido misto obtido com metiltrietóxisilano (MTES) é muito similar ao xerogel de V2O5; apresentando picos reversíveis ( par redox VV/IV: xe- + xLi+ + V2O5.nH2O ? LixV2O5.nH2O, em solução de LiClO4 0,1 mol.L -1 em acetonitrila). Além disso, a resposta eletroquímica á estável mesmo após sucessivos ciclos de oxidação e redução. Um aspecto interessante é que este compósito é formado por partículas esféricas de sílicas recobertas por xerogel de pentóxido de vanádio Neste contexto, pode-se afirmar que, o método empregado mostrou-se extremamente atrativo devido a sua simplicidade de realização, além de possibilitar um novo método de obtenção de materiais com potencial aplicação como dispositivos eletroquímicos, baterias, catalisadores e sensores químicos. / The synthesis, characterization and properties of new vanadium oxide silicon oxide composite xerogels with high vanadium content through formation of a complex network involving the condensation of polyoxovanadates in aqueous solution with concomitant hydrolysis and condensation of the silica alkoxide precursor have been the goal of this work. As a consequence, this procedure generated a homogeneous multicomponent material, in which Si-O-Si network is interpenetrated with V-V and V-OH-V polymeric chains, where a mutual \"solubility\" due to cross-links and entanglements was observed. In addition, the experimental data evidence that the vanadium pentoxide xerogel embedded in silica retains its bi-dimensional structure as well as its electrochemical properties. Besides, the catalytic activity of this material was evaluated in the oxidation of the cyclooctene and styrene in liquid phase. V2O5-SiO2 composite xerogels obtained from tetraethoxysilane under basic catalysis, present high surface area (324 m2/g) and have catalytic activities in alkene oxidation in the presence of PhIO as oxygen transfer agent and cyclooctene and styrene as substrates. However, these materials do not present a remarkable electrochemical property as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry. In contrast, the voltammetric behavior of the composites xerogel prepared with methyltriethoxysilane is quite similar to that found for V2O5 xerogel; showing reversible peaks (VV/IV redox pair: xe- + xLi+ + V2O5.nH2O LixV2O5.nH2O, in acetonitrile solutions containing 0.1 M LiClO4). Besides, the electrochemical response is stable under several successive redox cycles (over 50). An interesting feature is that is formed by silica spherical particles (4 to 8 micra) covered with V2O5 continuous polymeric network. Therefore, the synthetic approach applied in this study is extremely attractive due to its simplicity and can provide new strategies for tailoring new materials for electrochromic devices, batteries, catalysis and chemical sensing.