Amostras nanoestrutradas do sistema \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' na forma de pó contendo até 10 mol % de nióbio foram preparadas através do método dos precursores poliméricos. As propriedades térmicas, estruturais e óticas destas amostras foram caracterizadas através de diferentes técnicas. Os resultados mostram que no limite de concentração de nióbio que foi incorporado a rede da matriz \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\', ocorreu a formação da solução sólida \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' e que o aumento da quantidade de nióbio leva a uma maior aglomeração das partículas bem como a um aumento na temperatura de cristalização das amostras. Em bom acordo com dados da literatura, uma intensidade fotoluminescente significativa foi somente observada em amostras amorfas ou parcialmente cristalinas. Amostras na forma de filmes finos foram obtidas através da técnica de evaporação por feixe de elétrons. Os dados de difração de raios-X (DRX) mostram que em certas composições, além da fase \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\', observou-se a presença da fase \'SR\'CO IND.3\'. Através das técnicas de DRX e Microscopia de força atômica (AFM) foi possível observar que, como no caso das amostras na forma de pó, o aumento da concentração de nióbio inibe o processo de cristalização da amostra. Medidas da resistência elétrica mostraram que todas as amostras, independente da concentração de nióbio, apresentam valores elevador de resistência, da ordem de \'10 POT.15\' \'ômega\' . Este valor, muito acima do esperado e do observado na literatura, inviabilizou a medidas de sensibilidade dos filmes a diferentes tipos de gases. / Nanostructured \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' samples in a powder form containing up to 10 mol% of niobium have been prepared by the polymeric precursor method. The thermal, structural and optical properties of these samples were characterized by different techniques. The results show that in the limit of concentration of niobium added to the samples, the dopant was incorporated into the \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\' matrix lattice forming a \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' solid solution. The increasing on the amount of niobium leads to an increased agglomeration of the particles as well as an increase in the crystallization temperature of the samples. In good agreement with the literature data, a significant photoluminescence intensity was only observed in amorphous or partially crystalline samples. Samples in the form of thin films were obtained using the electron beam evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that in certain compositions, beyond the \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\' phase, it was also observed the presence of phase \'SR\'CO IND.3\' phase. Through the XRD and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) results, it has been observed that, as in the case of the samples in powder form, the concentration of niobium inhibits the crystallization process of the sample. Electrical resistance measurements showed that all samples, independent of the concentration of niobium, present higher values of resistance of the order of \'10 POT.15\' \'ômega\' . This value is much higher than expected and reported in the literature and does not allowed to measure the sensibility of thin films to different species of gases.

A baixa eficiência da adubação fosfatada em solos altamente intemperizados é devido, entre outros fatores, à adsorção do fósforo (P) à superfície das argilas silicatadas do tipo 1:1 e, principalmente, dos (hidr)óxidos de Fe e de Al. Manejos do solo que induzem a solubilização de formas de P indisponíveis para as plantas têm sido intensamente estudados nos últimos anos. Uma tentativa de aumentar a concentração de P disponível na solução do solo para sua absorção pelas plantas é a mobilização de P por ânions de ácidos orgânicos de baixa massa molar (AOBMM). Ânions derivados de AOBMM exsudados pelas raízes de plantas ou excretados por microrganismos são associados com algumas condições de rizosfera como deficiência de P e fitotoxidez de Al e interagem com o solo de forma a aumentar a biodisponibilidade de P. Dependendo dos atributos do solo, do grau de dissociação, das propriedades e do número de grupos carboxílicos dos ânions orgânicos, o P pode ser mobilizado do solo principalmente devido à dissolução complexométrica de minerais e à adsorção competitiva dos grupos funcionais carboxílicos e fosfato nos sítios de superfície coloidais. A capacidade dos ânions citrato, malato e oxalato em mobilizar P de amostras de um Neossolo Quartzarênico típico (RQ) e de um Latossolo Vermelho ácrico (LVwf) foi avaliada por meio de um estudo de lixiviação de ânions em colunas. Devido a não detecção de P nos efluentes das colunas com LVwf, foi realizado outro estudo em colunas, no qual somente citrato foi lixiviado, mas num volume maior, e as alterações das formas de P nas amostras desse solo induzidas pela lixiviação de citrato foram identificadas por espectroscopia de absorção de raios-X na borda K do fósforo (X-ray absorption near edge structure -XANES - spectroscopy). A capacidade dos ânions de AOBMM em solubilizar P foi mais dependente do teor de P disponível e de outros atributos do solo que do número de grupos funcionais carboxílicos dos ânions orgânicos. Somente o oxalato mobilizou P do RQ, enquanto todos os ânions de AOBMM foram capazes de mobilizar P do LVwf. Quando baixos volumes de solução contendo ânions de AOBMM foram lixiviados no solo, além do aumento do pH, a mobilização de P foi acompanhada pela mobilização de Al no RQ (pH água = 5), e pela mobilização de Ca no LVwf (pH água = 5.6), o que indica solubilização de P pela complexação de Al, Ca, ou Fe, de fosfatos insolúveis, ou pela inibição da precipitação de P com esses metais. Ao lixiviar um volume maior de citrato no LVwf, o P também não foi detectado nos efluentes das colunas, mas houve lixiviação intensa de Al e Fe, bem como mudanças nas proporções de formas de P no solo caracterizadas pelos espectros XANES. Embora tenhamos encontrado indícios da ação dos principais mecanismos de solubilização de P (dissolução complexométrica de minerais e troca de ligantes entre grupos funcionais carboxílicos e P adsorvido ao solo), os ânions de AOBMM mostraram pouco potencial de efetivamente aumentar a biodisponibilidade de P. / Phosphate fertilization of acidic, highly weathered soils is inefficient because of the adsorption of phosphorus (P) to 1:1 silicate clays and, especially, to Fe and Al oxides. Different soil management practices to induce solubilization of unavailable forms of P to plants nutrition have been intensively studied in recent years. The mobilization of P with anions of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) increases the concentration of available P in the soil solution for plant uptake. Anions derived from LMWOA exudates from plants root or excreted by microbes are associated with some rhizosphere conditions, as deficiency of P and Al phytotoxicity, and they interact with the soil in order to increase P availability. Depending on the soil attributes, and degree of dissociation, properties, and number of carboxyl groups from organic anions, P can be mobilized from soil mainly because of complexometric dissolution of soil minerals and ligand exchange of functional carboxyl groups and P adsorbed in soil surface sites. The capacity of citrate, malate and oxalate anions to mobilize P from a Typic Quartzipsamment (RQ) and an Anionic Acrudox (LVwf) was evaluated in a column leaching study. Because no P was detectable in columns effluents from LVwf, another column leaching study was performed, but only citrate was leached with a greater volume of solution, and citrate-induced changes at P forms in the soil were identified by P K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure - XANES - spectroscopy. The capacity of LMWOA anions to solubilize P was more dependent of P status and other soil attributes, than number of carboxyl groups of organic anions. Only oxalate mobilized P from RQ, and all LMWOA anions were able to mobilize P from LVwf. Increasing of P mobilization and soil pH were followed by increases of Al mobilization from RQ (pH water = 5), and Ca mobilization from LVwf (pH water = 5.6) at lower volumes of LMWOA anions leaching. Phosphorus was solubilized by complexation of Al, Ca or Fe from insoluble phosphate minerals, or by inhibition of Al, Ca or Fe phosphate precipitation. After leaching a greater volume of citrate through LVwf, P was still undetectable in effluents from columns, but there was an intensively leaching of Al and Fe, as well as changes in proportions of adsorbed P characterized in soil XANES spectra. Although we have found evidences about the action of main mechanisms of P solubilization (complexometric dissolution, and ligand exchange of carboxylic functional groups for adsorbed P on soil minerals) by LMWOA anions, they had a little potential to really increase P availability.

Molybdates and tungstates belonging to the scheelite family constitute an important class of materials, which have advantages as a relatively low cost and being non-polluting. Barium molybdate (BaMoO4), barium tungstate (BaWO4), calcium molybdate (CaMoO4) and calcium tungstate (CaWO4) have been extensively studied due their photoluminescent properties, besides that they also present catalysis and photocatalysis applications. However, to the best of our knowledge there are no structural characterizations of BaMoO4, BaWO4 and CaMoO4 by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in the literature. In this work, powders of these 4 compounds were prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method and polymeric precursor method (PPM) and their structural properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements. The morphology and particle size of these crystalline powders were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Furthermore, BaMoO4, BaWO4 and CaWO4 were employed as solid catalysts towards gas phase toluene oxidation reactions and their optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. XRD patterns confirm the phase purity of materials from both preparation methods and reveal a preferential growth when the powders are prepared by MAH due polymeric agents and processing using microwave, which was confirmed by FE-SEM. XANES and EXAFS results show that the preparation method did not introduce high disorders into the structure, however the H2 Temperature-Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR) measurements indicated that the catalyst reducibility is affected by the preparation method of the samples. PL emissions were attributed to the charge-transfer transitions within the [WO4]2- and [MoO4]2- complexes. / Os óxidos molibdatos e tungstatos, pertencentes a família das scheelitas, constituem urna importante classe de materiais que apresentam a vantagem de possuem relativo baixo custo e não serem poluentes. Molibdato de bário (BaMoO4), tungstato de bário (BaWO4), molibdato de cálcio (CaMoO4) e o tungstato de cálcio (CaWO4) tern sido extensivamente estudados devido as suas propriedades fotoluminescentes, além de apresentarem aplicações em catálise e fotocatálise. No entanto, não foi encontrada na literatura caracterizações estruturais de BaMoO4, BaWO4 e CaMoO4 por espectroscopia de absorção de raios X (XAS). Neste trabalho, partículas destes quatro compostos foram preparados pelo método hidrotermal assistido por micro-ondas (MAH) e método dos precursores poliméricos (PPM). Suas propriedades estruturais foram caracterizadas por difração de raios X (XRD) e espectroscopia de absorção de raios X na região XANES (do inglês X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) e região EXAFS (do inglês Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure). A morfologia e o tamanho de partícula desses pós cristalinos foram observados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura por emissão de campo (FE-SEM). Além disso, BaMoO4, BaWO4 e CaWO4 foram empregados como catalisadores sólidos para as reações de oxidação de tolueno em fase gasosa e as suas propriedades ópticas foram investigadas por medidas de absorção no ultravioleta/visível (UV-Vis) e fotoluminescência (PL). Os padrões XRD confirmam a pureza de fase dos materiais obtidos em ambos os métodos de preparação e revelam um crescimento preferencial dos pós preparados por MAH devido aos agentes poliméricos e ao processamento usando micro-ondas, esse crescimento foi confirmado pelas micrografias obtidas por FE-SEM. Os resultados de XANES e EXAFS mostram que o método de preparação não introduz desordens elevadas na estrutura, no entanto, as medidas de redução à temperatura programada (H2-TPR) indicaram que a redução do catalisador e afetada pelo método de preparação das amostras. As emissões de PL foram atribuídas às transições de transferência de carga dentro dos complexos [WO4]2- e [MoO4]2-.

A baixa eficiência da adubação fosfatada em solos altamente intemperizados é devido, entre outros fatores, à adsorção do fósforo (P) à superfície das argilas silicatadas do tipo 1:1 e, principalmente, dos (hidr)óxidos de Fe e de Al. Manejos do solo que induzem a solubilização de formas de P indisponíveis para as plantas têm sido intensamente estudados nos últimos anos. Uma tentativa de aumentar a concentração de P disponível na solução do solo para sua absorção pelas plantas é a mobilização de P por ânions de ácidos orgânicos de baixa massa molar (AOBMM). Ânions derivados de AOBMM exsudados pelas raízes de plantas ou excretados por microrganismos são associados com algumas condições de rizosfera como deficiência de P e fitotoxidez de Al e interagem com o solo de forma a aumentar a biodisponibilidade de P. Dependendo dos atributos do solo, do grau de dissociação, das propriedades e do número de grupos carboxílicos dos ânions orgânicos, o P pode ser mobilizado do solo principalmente devido à dissolução complexométrica de minerais e à adsorção competitiva dos grupos funcionais carboxílicos e fosfato nos sítios de superfície coloidais. A capacidade dos ânions citrato, malato e oxalato em mobilizar P de amostras de um Neossolo Quartzarênico típico (RQ) e de um Latossolo Vermelho ácrico (LVwf) foi avaliada por meio de um estudo de lixiviação de ânions em colunas. Devido a não detecção de P nos efluentes das colunas com LVwf, foi realizado outro estudo em colunas, no qual somente citrato foi lixiviado, mas num volume maior, e as alterações das formas de P nas amostras desse solo induzidas pela lixiviação de citrato foram identificadas por espectroscopia de absorção de raios-X na borda K do fósforo (X-ray absorption near edge structure -XANES - spectroscopy). A capacidade dos ânions de AOBMM em solubilizar P foi mais dependente do teor de P disponível e de outros atributos do solo que do número de grupos funcionais carboxílicos dos ânions orgânicos. Somente o oxalato mobilizou P do RQ, enquanto todos os ânions de AOBMM foram capazes de mobilizar P do LVwf. Quando baixos volumes de solução contendo ânions de AOBMM foram lixiviados no solo, além do aumento do pH, a mobilização de P foi acompanhada pela mobilização de Al no RQ (pH água = 5), e pela mobilização de Ca no LVwf (pH água = 5.6), o que indica solubilização de P pela complexação de Al, Ca, ou Fe, de fosfatos insolúveis, ou pela inibição da precipitação de P com esses metais. Ao lixiviar um volume maior de citrato no LVwf, o P também não foi detectado nos efluentes das colunas, mas houve lixiviação intensa de Al e Fe, bem como mudanças nas proporções de formas de P no solo caracterizadas pelos espectros XANES. Embora tenhamos encontrado indícios da ação dos principais mecanismos de solubilização de P (dissolução complexométrica de minerais e troca de ligantes entre grupos funcionais carboxílicos e P adsorvido ao solo), os ânions de AOBMM mostraram pouco potencial de efetivamente aumentar a biodisponibilidade de P. / Phosphate fertilization of acidic, highly weathered soils is inefficient because of the adsorption of phosphorus (P) to 1:1 silicate clays and, especially, to Fe and Al oxides. Different soil management practices to induce solubilization of unavailable forms of P to plants nutrition have been intensively studied in recent years. The mobilization of P with anions of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) increases the concentration of available P in the soil solution for plant uptake. Anions derived from LMWOA exudates from plants root or excreted by microbes are associated with some rhizosphere conditions, as deficiency of P and Al phytotoxicity, and they interact with the soil in order to increase P availability. Depending on the soil attributes, and degree of dissociation, properties, and number of carboxyl groups from organic anions, P can be mobilized from soil mainly because of complexometric dissolution of soil minerals and ligand exchange of functional carboxyl groups and P adsorbed in soil surface sites. The capacity of citrate, malate and oxalate anions to mobilize P from a Typic Quartzipsamment (RQ) and an Anionic Acrudox (LVwf) was evaluated in a column leaching study. Because no P was detectable in columns effluents from LVwf, another column leaching study was performed, but only citrate was leached with a greater volume of solution, and citrate-induced changes at P forms in the soil were identified by P K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure - XANES - spectroscopy. The capacity of LMWOA anions to solubilize P was more dependent of P status and other soil attributes, than number of carboxyl groups of organic anions. Only oxalate mobilized P from RQ, and all LMWOA anions were able to mobilize P from LVwf. Increasing of P mobilization and soil pH were followed by increases of Al mobilization from RQ (pH water = 5), and Ca mobilization from LVwf (pH water = 5.6) at lower volumes of LMWOA anions leaching. Phosphorus was solubilized by complexation of Al, Ca or Fe from insoluble phosphate minerals, or by inhibition of Al, Ca or Fe phosphate precipitation. After leaching a greater volume of citrate through LVwf, P was still undetectable in effluents from columns, but there was an intensively leaching of Al and Fe, as well as changes in proportions of adsorbed P characterized in soil XANES spectra. Although we have found evidences about the action of main mechanisms of P solubilization (complexometric dissolution, and ligand exchange of carboxylic functional groups for adsorbed P on soil minerals) by LMWOA anions, they had a little potential to really increase P availability.

Les chondrites carbonées de type 1 et 2 comprennent les météorites les plus primitives d’un point de vue chimique et pétrologique. Ce caractère primitif est associé à l’abondance de matière organique qui est une phase privilégiée pour l’étude des phénomènes concernant l’héritage du matériel présolaire et sa transformation dans la nébuleuse puis sur les premiers corps. L’objet de cette thèse est l’étude de l’influence des processus post-accrétionnels sur les caractéristiques moléculaires de la matière organique et en particulier la mesure des effets d’oxydation dus à l’altération aqueuse. Nous avons mené une étude comparative basée sur la structure carbonée et l’analyse des fonctions oxygénées et soufrées d’une dizaine de météorites dont les histoires géologiques ont été déterminées par ailleurs. Le degré d’oxydation du soufre, hétéroatome mineur dans la fraction insoluble, a été mesuré par micro-spectrométrie SK-Xanes. La spectroscopie FT-IR a permis la description des structures fines des chaines carbonées et des fonctions riches en oxygène, hétéroatome majeur. La spectrométrie de masse à très haute résolution Orbitrap a été utilisée pour décrire la diversité hétéroatomique des molécules solubles de la chondrite Renazzo (CR2). Les chaines carbonées des chondrites de classe CI et Murchison se différencient de celle des autres météorites par une abondance en groupements terminaux méthyles à la fois supérieure et invariable. Les chondrites de type 1 sont les seules porteuses de fonctions soufrées oxydées acides alors que la spéciation du soufre dans les chondrites de type 2 est invariable. De la même façon, et cette fois pour l’ensemble des chondrites étudiées, les groupements carbonyles sont majoritairement dans les fonctions cétones, en proportion indépendante du degré d’altération aqueuse. Tous les paramètres mesurés dans cette étude nous poussent à conclure que la variabilité moléculaire au sein des chondrites carbonées de type 1 et 2 trouve moins son origine dans l’empreinte de l’hydrothermalisme que dans une hétérogénéité du précurseur organique accrété par chaque corps parent. En particulier, nos mesures invalident l’hypothèse selon laquelle l’altération serait à l’origine d’une conversion oxydative des chaines carbonées en fonctions acides carboxyliques. / Type 1 and 2 carbonaceous chondrites include the most chemically and petrologically pristine meteorites. This intactness goes along with the abundance of organic matter which is a phase of choice to investigate the presolar material processing in the nebula and then on the first bodies. The purpose of this thesis is to study the influence of post-accretional processes on the molecular characteristics of organic matter and in particular the extent of oxidation effects due to aqueous alteration. We have carried out a comparative study based on the carbon structure and functional analysis of more than ten meteorites whose geologic histories were independently determined. The redox degree of sulfur in the insoluble fraction was measured by SK-Xanes spectroscopy. FT-IR spectroscopy gave access to the fine structures of aliphatic chains and oxygen-rich functions. Orbitrap very high resolution mass spectrometry was used to describe the heteroatomic diversity of soluble molecules in the Renazzo (CR2) chondrite. The aliphatic chains of CI chondrites and Murchison differ from others by a higher and unchanging abundance of methyl groups. Type 1 chondrites are the only carriers of oxidized sulfur functions whereas the sulfur speciation in type 2 chondrites is invariable. For all studied chondrites, the carbonyl groups are mainly under the form of ketones and their abundance can’t be related to the degree of aqueous alteration. Any parameters we have measured in this study lead us to conclude that the molecular variability among type 1 and 2 carbonaceous chondrites are less due to the footprint left by the hydrothermal activity than due to the heterogeneity of an organic precursor accreted by each parent body. In particular, our measurements invalidate the hypothesis that the alteration would cause an oxidative conversion of aliphatic chains to carboxylic acid functions.

Amostras nanoestruturadas do sistema SrTi1-xMnxO3 (STM) com x = 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% e 10% na forma de pó foram sintetizadas através do método dos precursores poliméricos. As propriedades térmicas, estruturais e ópticas das amostras STM calcinadas em diferentes temperaturas foram analisadas a temperatura ambiente através de técnicas de análise térmica, difração de raios-x, espectroscopia de absorção de raios-x e fotoluminescência. Os resultados obtidos através das técnicas de analise térmica mostraram que o íon manganês causa um efeito retardante, aumentando a temperatura onde ocorre o início da cristalização. Os resultados de DRX mostraram que no limite de solubilidade estudado, o íon manganês foi incorporado em solução sólida no sítio B na rede do SrTiO3 (ST), assumindo estados de oxidação entre +3,4 e +3,7, indicando que ocorre a criação de defeitos para compensação de cargas, mantendo a neutralidade elétrica do material. A análise dos espectros de fotoluminescência das amostras STM amorfas mostrou que o aumento da quantidade de manganês até 1% leva a um aumento da intensidade fotoluminescência em relação a amostra SrTiO3. Entretanto, a adição de manganês acima desta quantidade leva a uma diminuição pronunciada da intensidade fotoluminescente. Nas amostras amorfas não foi observada uma variação significativa da ordem local ao redor dos átomos de titânio bem como no estado de oxidação dos átomos de manganês à medida que a quantidade de manganês aumenta. Desta forma, a variação da intensidade fotoluminescente não pôde ser atribuída a estes fatores. O aumento da temperatura de calcinação leva a uma diminuição significativa da intensidade fotoluminescente. Uma análise dos espectros XANES medidos na borda K do titânio destas amostras mostrou que ocorre uma maior ordenação dos átomos de Ti nos octaedros de oxigênio [TiO6] a medida que a temperatura de calcinação aumenta, ou seja, à medida que aumenta o grau de cristalinidade das amostras. / Nanostructured SrTi1-xMnxO3 (STM) powder samples with x = 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% were synthesized by the polymeric precursors method. The thermal, structural and optical properties of STM samples heat-treated at different temperatures were analyzed by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques. The thermal analysis results have shown that manganese ion causes a retarding effect, increasing the onset of the crystallization temperature. The XRD results showed that manganese ion is incorporated in a solid solution in the B site of the SrTiO3 (ST) network for the range of solubility studied, with oxidation states between +3.4 and +3.7, indicating the creation of charge compensation defects, keeping the materials electrical neutrality. The analysis of the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the STM amorphous samples showed that the PL intensity increases when the amount of manganese is up to 1%. However, higher manganese concentrations leads to a pronounced decrease of the photoluminescence intensity. The amorphous samples showed no significant change of the local order around the titanium atoms, observed as well as in the oxidation state of the manganese atoms as the amount of manganese increases. Thus, the variation of the photoluminescence intensity cannot be explained by these factors. Increasing the calcination temperature leads to a significant decrease of the photoluminescence intensity. An analysis of the XANES spectra measured at the titanium K edge of these samples showed that as the calcination temperature increases, i. e., as it increases the degree of crystallinity, the ordering of the Ti atoms in the oxygen octahedra TiO6 of the samples increases.

Le but de cette thèse est de décrire l'impact des fluctuations thermiques quantiques sur les spectres XANES et RMN du solide, à l'aide d'une étude conjointe expérimentale et théorique. Ce projet comporte deux volets. D'une part, il s'agit d'acquérir des données expérimentales de très bonne qualité, afin d'observer et comprendre l'influence des vibrations quantiques dans les oxydes d'éléments légers. D'autre part, un modèle théorique est mis en place afin de reproduire les effets observés expérimentalement et décrire leur origine d'un point de vue fondamental. L'approche théorique développée est fondée sur la théorie de la fonctionnelle de la densité. Dans le cadre de l'approximation de Born-Oppenheimer et de l'approximation quasi-harmonique, les fluctuations thermiques de nature quantiques sont modélisées en générant des configurations atomiques obéissant à la statistique quantique à température finie. Les spectres XANES et paramètres RMN sont, par la suite, calculés dans ces configurations et les résultats moyens sont comparés aux données spectroscopiques à température finie. Cette approche a été validée par une étude menée dans une série d'oxydes d'éléments légers, où les résultats se sont avérés être en excellent accord avec les données expérimentales originales que nous avons enregistrées. En outre, il est montré que les fluctuations quantiques des noyaux ne jouent pas le même rôle selon la symétrie locale du site atomique sondé. / In this thesis the impact of quantum thermal fluctuations on XANES and solid-state NMR spectra is described using an experimental and theoretical joint study. This project has two components. First, high-quality experimental data are acquired in order to observe and understand the influence of quantum vibrations in light-elements oxides. Second, a theoretical model is set up to reproduce the effects observed experimentally and describe their origin from a fundamental point of view. The developed theoretical approach is based on the density-functional theory. Within the Born-Oppenheimer and quasiharmonic approximations, the quantum thermal fluctuations of nuclei are modeled by generating atomic configurations obeying quantum statistics at finite temperature. The XANES spectra and NMR parameters are subsequently calculated in these configurations and the average results are compared with spectroscopic data at finite temperature. This approach has been validated by a joint theoretical-experimental study conducted in a series of light-element oxides, where the results were found to be in excellent agreement with the original experimental data. In addition, it is shown that the impact of the quantum fluctuations of the nuclei is influenced by the local symmetry of the probed atomic site.

Amostras nanoestrutradas do sistema \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' na forma de pó contendo até 10 mol % de nióbio foram preparadas através do método dos precursores poliméricos. As propriedades térmicas, estruturais e óticas destas amostras foram caracterizadas através de diferentes técnicas. Os resultados mostram que no limite de concentração de nióbio que foi incorporado a rede da matriz \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\', ocorreu a formação da solução sólida \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' e que o aumento da quantidade de nióbio leva a uma maior aglomeração das partículas bem como a um aumento na temperatura de cristalização das amostras. Em bom acordo com dados da literatura, uma intensidade fotoluminescente significativa foi somente observada em amostras amorfas ou parcialmente cristalinas. Amostras na forma de filmes finos foram obtidas através da técnica de evaporação por feixe de elétrons. Os dados de difração de raios-X (DRX) mostram que em certas composições, além da fase \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\', observou-se a presença da fase \'SR\'CO IND.3\'. Através das técnicas de DRX e Microscopia de força atômica (AFM) foi possível observar que, como no caso das amostras na forma de pó, o aumento da concentração de nióbio inibe o processo de cristalização da amostra. Medidas da resistência elétrica mostraram que todas as amostras, independente da concentração de nióbio, apresentam valores elevador de resistência, da ordem de \'10 POT.15\' \'ômega\' . Este valor, muito acima do esperado e do observado na literatura, inviabilizou a medidas de sensibilidade dos filmes a diferentes tipos de gases. / Nanostructured \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' samples in a powder form containing up to 10 mol% of niobium have been prepared by the polymeric precursor method. The thermal, structural and optical properties of these samples were characterized by different techniques. The results show that in the limit of concentration of niobium added to the samples, the dopant was incorporated into the \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\' matrix lattice forming a \'SR\'TI IND.1-x\'NB IND.x\'O IND.3\' solid solution. The increasing on the amount of niobium leads to an increased agglomeration of the particles as well as an increase in the crystallization temperature of the samples. In good agreement with the literature data, a significant photoluminescence intensity was only observed in amorphous or partially crystalline samples. Samples in the form of thin films were obtained using the electron beam evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that in certain compositions, beyond the \'SR\'TI\'O IND.3\' phase, it was also observed the presence of phase \'SR\'CO IND.3\' phase. Through the XRD and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) results, it has been observed that, as in the case of the samples in powder form, the concentration of niobium inhibits the crystallization process of the sample. Electrical resistance measurements showed that all samples, independent of the concentration of niobium, present higher values of resistance of the order of \'10 POT.15\' \'ômega\' . This value is much higher than expected and reported in the literature and does not allowed to measure the sensibility of thin films to different species of gases.

Le mercure est un polluant ubiquiste dont les espèces organiques, telles que le méthylmercure (MMHg), s'accumulent dans la chaîne trophique et sont fortement toxiques pour les organismes vivants. Des microorganismes anaérobies sont capables de transformer le mercure inorganique en MMHg, et inversement, par des processus qui n’ont pas été complètement établis. Cette étude vise à mieux comprendre les transformations du mercure chez des bactéries sulfato-réductrices modèles : D. dechloracetivorans BerOc1, capable de méthyler et déméthyler le mercure, et D. desulfuricans G200, utilisé ici comme témoin non méthylant. Les objectifs de cette étude sont donc de déterminer où ont lieu les processus de méthylation et déméthylation du mercure à l’échelle cellulaire ainsi que d’identifier les ligands du mercure impliqués dans ces processus. Dans un premier temps, la toxicité du mercure inorganique (IHg) et du MMHg a été évaluée sur la croissance des deux souches. Les potentiels de méthylation et de déméthylation, la localisation du mercure et ses ligands ont été déterminés au niveau de la culture et à l’échelle cellulaire. Ces paramètres ont été évalués à différentes concentrations de mercure ainsi qu’au cours d’une cinétique. Ce travail de thèse a mis en avant que IHg et MMHg ont moins d’impact sur la croissance des deux souches étudiées en sulfato-réduction du fait de la forte précipitation du mercure. Une ou des étapes limitantes interviendraient dans le processus de méthylation. De plus, une différence de localisation cellulaire du mercure a été constatée au cours du temps, suggérant un export de ce dernier, et selon la souche bactérienne suggérant des mécanismes cellulaires différents. L’imagerie par TEM EDX et l’analyse élémentaire par nano-fluorescence X ont permis d’observer la co-localisation du mercure avec le soufre. L‘étude de la spéciation par HR XANES a confirmé la prédominance de ligands thiols associés aux processus de méthylation et de déméthylation. Une forme tétragonale est prédominante dans les échantillons exposés à HgCl2 en croissance suggérant que cette espèce est formée via un processus biologique. / Mercury is a wide spread pollutant that build up in living tissues. The transformation of mercury into methylmercury is primarily a natural and biological process mediated by anaerobic bacteria. Understanding the parameters influencing the formation of methylmercury is critically important due to its highly toxic, bioaccumulative and persistent nature. Herein we aim to study the mechanism by which model strains used in laboratories can transform inorganic and methylmercury. The objectives of this study are determining where mercury methylation and demethylation processes take place at the cell scale and identifying the mercury ligands involved in these processes. At first, the toxicity of inorganic mercury (IHg) and MMHg were measured on the bacterial growth. The methylation and demethylation potentials, the localization of mercury and its ligands were determined in the culture and at the cell scale. These parameters were evaluated at different concentrations of mercury as well as during kinetic. This study has highlighted that IHg and MMHg have less impact on the growth of both strains in sulfate reduction because of the high precipitation of mercury. One or more limiting steps would occur in the methylation process. In addition, a difference in cell localization of mercury has been observed over time, suggesting an export at 24h of exposure. Mercury localization also depends on the bacterial strain suggesting different cell mechanisms. TEM EDX imaging and elemental analysis by X-ray nano-fluorescence showed mercury co-localized with sulfur. The study of HR XANES speciation confirmed the predominance of thiol ligands associated with methylation and demethylation processes. A tetragonal form is predominant in samples exposed to growing HgCl2 suggesting that this species is formed via a biological process.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / The toxicity of platinum anticancer drugs presents a major obstacle in the effective treatment of tumours. Much of the toxicity stems from a lack of specificity of the drugs for the sites at which they are able to exert maximum anticancer activity. An improved understanding of the behaviour of the drugs in the tumour environment may assist in the rational design of future platinum anticancer agents with enhanced specificity and reduced toxicity. In the work presented herein, the specificity of two classes of platinum anticancer agents was assessed (platinum(IV) cisplatin analogues and platinum(II) anthraquinone complexes). The interaction of the platinum(IV) agents with DNA, believed to be their main cellular target, was examined using XANES spectroscopy. This experiment was designed to assess the ability of the drugs to interact with DNA and thus exert their anticancer activity. It was shown that the platinum(IV) complexes were not reduced by DNA during 48 hr incubation. It was not possible to conclusively determine whether the interaction of the complexes with DNA was direct or platinum(II) catalysed, or whether interaction had occurred at all. The distribution of platinum(II) anthraquinone complexes and their corresponding anthraquinone ligands in tumour cells (A2780 ovarian and DLD-1 colon cancer cell lines) was investigated. The cytotoxicity of the compounds in DLD-1 cells was also assessed. It was found that the compounds were efficiently taken up into the cells and entered the lysosomal compartments almost exclusively. This suggested that the cytotoxicity of the drugs was caused by lysosomal disruption, or that the platinum complexes were degraded, leaving a platinum species to enter the cell nuclei and interact with DNA. Alternatively, the complexes may bind to proteins and transport into the nuclei of the cells, though with their fluorescence quenched by the protein. The penetration and distribution of platinum(IV) complexes was assessed in DLD-1 multicellular tumour spheroids (established models of solid tumours) using a number of synchrotron techniques, including micro-tomography, micro-SRIXE, and micro-XANES. The complexes were found to be capable of penetrating throughout the entire volume of the spheroids. Micro-XANES indicated that in central and peripheral spheroidal regions, bound platinum species were present largely as platinum(II).