The generation of nanostructured assemblies with complex (three-dimensional, 3D) self-assembled morphologies and with complex (multicomponent) tailorable inorganic compositions is of considerable technological and scientific interest. This research demonstrates self-assembled 3D organic templates of biogenic origin can be converted into replicas comprised of numerous other functional nanocrystalline inorganic materials. Nature provides a spectacular variety of biologically-assembled 3D organic structures with intricate, hierarchical (macro-to-micro-to-nanoscale) morphologies. Morphology-preserving chemical conversion of such readily available, structurally complex templates will provide a framework for chemical conversion of synthetic organic templates and, potentially, production of organic/inorganic composites. Four research thrusts are detailed in this dissertation. First, chemical conversion of a nanostructured bioorganic template into a multicomponent oxide compound (tetragonal BaTiO₃ via layer-by-layer surface sol-gel coating and subsequent morphology-preserving microwave hydrothermal processing was demonstrated. Second, photoluminescence was imparted to bioorganic template structures through morphology-preserving chemical conversion to exhibit both the dramatic change in properties such processing can provide, and the potential utility of chemically transformed templates in anti-counterfeiting / authentication applications. Third, the reaction mechanism(s) for morphology-preserving microwave hydrothermal conversion of TiO₂ to BaTiO₃, were studied with the aid of Au inert markers on single crystal rutile TiO₂. Finally, constructive coating techniques (SSG) and moderate temperature (< 500C) heat treatments were utilized to modify and replicate structural color and were coupled with deconstructive focused ion beam microsurgery to prepare samples for microscale structure/property interrogation. Specifically, the effects of coating thickness and coating composition on reflection spectra of structurally colored templates were examined. Also, the effects of the replacement of natural material with higher index of refraction inorganic materials on optical properties were studied. The three processing research thrusts constituting chapters 1, 2 and 4 take advantage of moderate temperature processing to ensure nanocrystalline materials, either for shape preservation or to prevent scattering in optical applications. The research thrust presented in chapter 3 examines hydrothermal conversion of TiO₂ to BaTiO₃, not only to identify the reaction mechanism(s) involved in hydrothermal conversion under morphology-preserving conditions, but also to introduce inert marker experiments to the field of microwave hydrothermal processing.

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La fluorescence en temps résolu est une méthode d'analyse spectrophotométrique avancée permettant la sélection des photons émis par luminescence sur un critère temporel. Il est ainsi possible, et cela même dans des milieux complexes et pollués issu de l'industrie, de faire émerger sélectivement le signal d'espèces luminescentes présentant des durées de vie de luminescence relativement grandes.Ce type d'analyse spectrale est particulièrement adapté à la détection de trace d'éléments lanthanides. Chacun des éléments de la série présente en effet des propriétés luminescentes uniques bien que largement fonction de la nature des ligands qui les entourent. Les travaux de thèse présentés dans ce manuscrit utilisent avantageusement la constatation précédente. Deux technologies ont étés mise sur pied et/ou optimisées pour permettre un transfert vers des domaines industriels aux cahiers des charges bien définis.Ainsi dans le domaine de la lutte anti-contrefaçon l'ajout de marqueurs luminescents à temps résolu à base de lanthanide rend possible la surveillance de l'origine et du devenir de divers produits industriels.Dans le domaine pétrolier l'analyse des effluents à l'aide de sondes luminescentes à base de lanthanide permet de quantifier le taux résiduel de plusieurs classes d'additifs chimiques et permet d'optimiser la sécurité, la rentabilité et l'impact écologique du processus d'extraction.Dernièrement un prototype de spectrofluorimètre résolu en temps adapté à un usage industriel a été mis au point pour permettre un transfert technologique du laboratoire vers le milieu industriel / Time-resolved fluorescence is an advanced spectrophotometric analysis method which allows the selection of emitted luminescent photons on a time-based parameters. It is possible to extract the signal of long-lived luminescent species even in complex and polluted matrix from the industry. This type of analysis is especially fitted for the detection of lanthanide ions. During this thesis two technologies based on time-resolved analysis were designed to answer specific industrial problematics. The first one yields the residual concentration of chemical additives used during oil and gas extraction. The second one aims at protecting crude oils and refined fuels from counterfeiting. They both rely on the use of lanthanide complex and the measurement of their luminescent properties. A prototype of time-resolved spectrofluorimeter was also built to transfer the technologies from the laboratory to the industrial world