Insensitive munition compounds (IMC) are an emerging class of explosives that are less susceptible to accidental explosions compared to the conventional explosives they will be replacing. An IMC that has been incorporated in several explosives formulations is 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN). As the manufacture, storage, and use of these compounds increases, the expected releases in natural and engineered systems might pose an environmental hazard to public health and ecosystems. To date there is little information on the environmental fate and toxicology of DNAN. However, nitroaromatic compounds are known to be toxic, mutagenic and difficult to completely biodegrade. In order to study the fate and (bio)transformation of DNAN, microcosm studies with soils and anaerobic wastewater sludge were performed to determine (bio)transformation pathways and key factors influencing (bio)conversion. Transformation was enhanced in anaerobic conditions, in particular when exogenous electron donor was added. Abiotic transformation (in heat-killed soil) was also significant and dominated transformation reactions in soils that were not amended with exogenous electron donor. The organic carbon content of soils was a key factor that correlated to the anaerobic biotransformation rate. Having identified (bio)transformation products using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, an overall pathway of (bio)transformation was devised and consistent with nitro-group reduction to form aromatic amines. During the nitro-group reduction, reactive products (e.g. nitroso-intermediates) coupled with amines to form azo-dimers and oligomers. Subsequent transformation pathways included N-alkylation, N-acetylation, and stepwise demethoxylation of these oligomers. The assessment of the toxicity of DNAN and its (bio)transformation products was performed utilizing microbial toxicity assays and ecotoxicity evaluation with zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Overall DNAN severely inhibited methanogens (IC₅₀ = 41 μM ), the bioluminescent marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri utilized in the Microtox test (IC₅₀ = 57 μM), and nitrifiers (IC₅₀ = 49 μM). Reduced aromatic amine products in general were less toxic than DNAN with the exception of 2-methoxy-5-nitroaniline and 3-nitro-4-methoxyaniline, which were similar in toxicity to some of the test organisms as DNAN. Azo-oligomer surrogates were as toxic or more toxic than DNAN, although at trace levels they significantly stimulated activity. N-acetylated amines were found to have by far the lowest toxicity to microorganisms. In zebrafish embryos, the (bio)transformation product or surrogates 3-nitro-4-methoxyaniline and 2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-azodianiline caused developmental abnormalities (each with lowest observable effect level of 6.4 μM). An integrated approach which monitored (bio)transformation product mixture profile in parallel with their toxicity to microbial and zebrafish toxicity was used to characterize toxicity during the time course of the anaerobic (bio)transformation of DNAN. Enhanced inhibition of methanogenic activity and zebrafish mortality were associated with the onset of dimer formation indicating they were being mostly impacted by reactive intermediates formed early in the biotransformation of DNAN. Further accumulation of oligomers was associated with a decrease toxicity. On the other hand, A. fischeri bioluminescence became more and more inhibited as the oligomers formed, indicating different responses depending on target organism. Taken globally, the results indicate that DNAN can be readily transformed in soils and wastewater sludge forming both highly toxic (e.g. azo-oligomers) and non-toxic intermediates (e.g. N-acetylated 2,4-diaminoanisole). Depending on target organism, the prolonged formation of oligomer mixtures either resulted in detoxification or recovery of activity.

Neste trabalho estudamos o processo de absorção de dois fótons em compostos azoaromáticos, abordando tanto aspectos fundamentais quanto aplicados. Moléculas azo-aromáticos têm recebido especial atenção nos últimos anos devido as suas potencias aplicações em dispositivos para armazenamento óptico de informação, modulação da luz e geração de relevos em superfície, processes estes associados ao mecanismo de foto isomerização. Os trabalhos apresentados nessa tese tiveram como principal foco explorar o fenômeno de absorção de dois fótons, utilizando a propriedade de foto-isomerização das moléculas azo-aromáticas. Nosso objetivo foi estudar as vantagens que podem ser obtidas pela utilização de pulsos intensos de luz, que interagem de maneira não linear com a matéria, para desenvolver aplicações utilizando compostos azo-aromáticos. Inicialmente, estudamos o processo de absorção de dois fótons em uma nova família de compostos azo-aromáticos, denominados Salen Dyes. Investigamos a influencia da presença de íons metálicos no processo de absorção de dois fótons dessas moléculas. Nossos resultados mostraram que, devido a ausência de conjugação entre as estruturas azo-aromáticas conectadas pelo metal, este tem pouca influência no processo não linear estudado. Pelo uso de um modelo de soma de estado para a seção de choque de absorção de dois fótons, fomos capazes de determinar os momentos de dipolo de transição destas moléculas. Em seguida, implementamos uma técnica para estudar o processo de armazenamento óptico, induzido através da orientação molecular dos compostos azo-aromáticos, via absorção de dois fótons. Observamos que de fato é possível se observar birrefringência induzida por dois fótons nestas moléculas, a qual esta confinada ao volume focal, conforme demonstrado pela obtenção de armazenamento tri-dimensional. Finalmente, exploramos o processo de controle coerente via formatação de pulsos ultra-curtos para manipular o processo de birrefringência induzida por dois fótons em compostos azo-aromáticos. Foi demonstrado que apenas a através da manipulação da fase do pulso ultra-curto, é possível modular a birrefringência induzida em filmes de compostos azo-aromáticos. / Here we investigated fundamental and applied aspects of the two-photon absorption process in azoaromatic compounds. Azoaromatic molecules have been studied in the last few years due to their applications in optical storage devices, light modulators and surface relief gratings, processes related to the photo-isomerization mechanism. The main focus of the results presented in this thesis was to explore the two-photon absorption process, taking advantage of the intrinsic photo-isomerization of the azo-aromatic chromophores. Our main goal was to study the advantages of utilizing intense pulses, which promote nonlinear excitation, to develop application with azo-aromatic compounds. Initially, we studied the two-photon absorption process in a new class of azo-aromatic compounds, named Salen Dyes. We investigated the influence of metal ions, presented in the Salen Dyes structure, on the two-photon absorption spectrum. Our results revealed that the metals have practically no influence in the nonlinear optical properties due to the lack of conjugation between the azo-moieties in the Salen Dyes. Through a theoretical model based on a sum-over-states calculation, we were able to determine the transition dipole moment of these molecules. Subsquently, we implememnted a technique to study the two-photon induced birefringence, resulting from the molecular re-orientation, in azo-aromatic compounds. We observed that the two-photon induced birefringence is confined to the focal volume, s demonstrated in a three dimensional optical storage experiment. Finally, we used coherent control processes to manipulate the two-photon induced birefringence in azo-compounds. It was demonstrated that it is possible to modulate the optically induced birefringence by manipulating the phase of the ultra-short pulses, via pulse shaping techniques.

Diodos poliméricos emissores de luz (PLEDs) foram produzidos utilizando poli(vinil-carbazol) (PVK), poli(2,7-(9,9-dioctilfluoreno)) (PFO) e poli((1,4-fenileno-2-flúor)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctilfluoreno)) (PFPF) dopados com diferentes concentrações de dopante fosforescente tris(2-fenilpiridinato) de irídio(III) [Ir(ppy)3] como camada ativa. Os resultados mostraram que o dispositivo a base de PFO dopado com 4% em massa de Ir(ppy)3 apresentou as maiores eficiências de corrente e de potência luminosa e o espectro eletromagnético do PLED a base de PVK puro apresentou emissão em 540 nm, sugerindo um desbalanceamento de cargas e emissão do óxido de zinco dopado com alumínio (AZO), camada injetora. Assim, estudos da influência da massa molar média do PVK e de sistemas híbridos PVK:AZO nas propriedades elétricas e ópticas dos PLEDs foram elaborados. Resultados mostraram que o AZO possui propriedades foto/eletroluminescentes e é responsável pela emissão larga na região do visível. Os dispositivos híbridos apresentaram emissão próxima ao branco puro, atingindo-se uma pureza de 0,19. / Polymer light emiting diodes (PLEDs) were manufactured using poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK), poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) and poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-1,4-fluorphenylene) (PFPF) doped with different concentrations of tris-(2-phenylpyridinate) iridium(III) [Ir(ppy)3],a phosphorescent dye, as the active layer. Results showed that PFO based devices doped with 4 wt. % of Ir(ppy)3 presented the highest current and power efficiencies, and the PVK based devices\' electroluminescence spectrum showed an emission centered at 540 nm, suggesting that a charge unbalance and light emission from the injection layer of aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) occurred. Therefore, studies based on the PVK:AZO system and different PVK\'s average molar masses were elaborated to observe the PLEDs\' electrical and optical properties. Results showed that AZO is a photo/electroluminescent material and it is responsible for the broad emission in the visible range. The hybrid device showed near pure white light emission and its purity reached 0.19.

Neste trabalho foi estudada a degradação eletroquímica do azo corante Preto Ácido 210 (PA210) utilizando ânodos dimensionalmente estáveis de composição Ti/Ir0,10Sn0,90O2 e Ti/Ir0,30Sn0,70O2 preparados pelo método de decomposição térmica de precursores poliméricos. Os efeitos da presença e da concentração de cloreto, da composição eletródica, da densidade de corrente e do tempo de eletrólise sobre a oxidação eletroquímica de 100 ppm do corante PA210 foram avaliados. Em todas as condições estudadas, a remoção da absorbância em 465 nm (max) foi superior a 94% depois de 30 min de eletrólise. A redução de TOC foi proporcional à concentração de íons cloreto no eletrólito e não mostrou dependência da composição eletródica. A formação de espécies organocloradas variou na faixa de 8 a 16 ppm, sendo que as maiores concentrações de AOX foram obtidas para o eletrólito com maior concentração de cloreto. A redução máxima de TOC obtida foi de 25% depois de 90 min de eletrólise à densidade de corrente de 25 mA cm-2 para o eletrólito HCl 0,1 mol L-1. A eficiência de corrente foi calculada em relação ao TOC, sendo obtido o melhor resultado, de 9,14%, em 30 min de eletrólise com HCl 0,1 mol L-1 a 25 mA cm-2, sendo esta eficiência quatro vezes maior que para melhor eficiência em meio de H2SO4 0,1 mol L-1. O estudo da relação TOC / AOX indica que após as eletrólises houve a adição de cloreto as substâncias orgânicas gerando espécies organocloradas que apresentam uma relação de aproximadamente 1 átomo de cloro para cada 5 átomos de carbono. / The electrochemical degradation of the azo dye Acid Black 210 (AB210) using dimensionally stable anodes of composition Ti/Ir0,10Sn0,90O2 and Ti/Ir0,30Sn0,70O2 prepared by thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors was studied. The effects of the presence and concentration of chloride, electrode composition, current density, and electrolysis time on the electrochemical oxidation of 100 ppm dye PA210 were evaluated. In all the studied conditions, the removal of the absorbance at 465 nm (max) was greater than 94% after 30 min of electrolysis. The reduction of TOC was proportional to the concentration of chloride ions in the electrolyte and was not shown to be dependent on electrode composition. The formation of organochloride species varied in the range from 8 to 16 ppm, with higher concentrations of AOX being obtained for the electrolyte with high chloride concentration. The maximum reduction of TOC was 25% after 90 min of electrolysis, at a current density of 25 mA cm-2, for the electrolyte HCl 0.1 mol L-1. The current efficiency was calculated in relation to TOC, and the best result was 9.14% after 30 min of electrolysis in HCl 0.1 mol L-1 at 25 mA cm-2. This efficiency is four times higher than the best efficiency obtained by using only H2SO4 0.1 mol L-1 as electrolyte. The study of the TOC / AOX relationship indicates that there was addition of chloride to the organic substances after electrolysis, thus genetaring organochloride species with a ratio of about 1 atom of chlorine for every 5 carbon atoms.

by Stephen, Man-yuen Cheng. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-141). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / List of Figures --- p.iv / List of Tables --- p.ix / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- The development of dyes --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The chemistry of azo dyes --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- "Evaluation of dyes submitted under the ""Toxic Substances Control Act"" new chemicals programme" --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Environmental concerns of dyes --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5 --- Decolorization techniques --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Activated sludge process --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Chlorination --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Fenton's reaction --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Ozonation --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.5 --- Adsorption by activated carbon --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.6 --- Chemical flocculation --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.7 --- Coagulation --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.8 --- Advance Oxidation Process --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5.8a --- Photocatalytic activation --- p.17 / Chapter 1.5.8b --- Enhancement of reaction rates of photocatalytic reaction --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.9 --- Biosorption of azo dyes by Pseudomonas sp. K-l --- p.23 / Chapter 1.6 --- Water pollution in Hong Kong --- p.24 / Chapter 1.7 --- Purpose of study --- p.24 / Chapter 2 --- Objectives --- p.27 / Chapter 3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1 --- Materials --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Azo dyes --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Biosorbent --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Chemicals --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2 --- Photocatalytic reactor --- p.31 / Chapter 3.3 --- Determination of the peak absorbance of five azo dyes at different pH --- p.31 / Chapter 3.4 --- Determination of dye concentration by measuring at peak absorbance --- p.37 / Chapter 3.5 --- Determination of pseudo-first-order rate constant --- p.37 / Chapter 3.6 --- Effect of initial concentration of procion red MX-5B on photocatalytic degradation --- p.39 / Chapter 3.7 --- Effect of initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide on photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.40 / Chapter 3.8 --- Effect of initial pH on the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.40 / Chapter 3.9 --- Effect of initial temperature on the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.40 / Chapter 3.10 --- Effect of titanium dioxide on the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.40 / Chapter 3.11 --- Effect of UV intensity in the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.41 / Chapter 3.12 --- Degradation kinetics of different dyes --- p.41 / Chapter 3.13 --- Degradation of 40 mg/L of procion red MX-5B under optimized conditions --- p.41 / Chapter 3.14 --- "Degradation of 1,000 mg/L of procion red MX-5B under optimized conditions" --- p.42 / Chapter 3.15 --- Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in calcium alginate beads --- p.42 / Chapter 3.16 --- "Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in alginate beads of 5,000 mg/L of Ti02" --- p.43 / Chapter 3.17 --- "Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in alginate beads of 10,000 mg/L of Ti02" --- p.43 / Chapter 3.18 --- Effect of the concentration of titanium dioxide in alginate beads in the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.45 / Chapter 3.19 --- "Effect of hydrogen peroxide in the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B in 5,000 mg/L of Ti02-alginate beads" --- p.47 / Chapter 3.20 --- "Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in alginate beads with 5,000 mg/L of Ti02" --- p.47 / Chapter 3.21 --- "Effect of biomass of Pseudomonas sp. K1 on the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B in alginate beads with 5,000 mg/L of Ti02" --- p.48 / Chapter 3.22 --- Diffuse reflectance-IR spectroscopic analysis of degradation product(s) --- p.49 / Chapter 3.23 --- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis of degradation products --- p.49 / Chapter 3.24 --- Toxicological evaluation of degradation products using Microtox® test --- p.51 / Chapter 4 --- Result --- p.54 / Chapter 4.1 --- Biosorption of dyes by Pseudomonas sp. K1 --- p.54 / Chapter 4.2 --- UV intensities of the eight Cole-Parmer UV lamps at 365 nm --- p.54 / Chapter 4.3 --- Determination of the peak absorbance of five azo dyes at different pH using scanning spectrophotometer --- p.54 / Chapter 4.4 --- Determination of dye concentration by measuring at peak absorbance --- p.66 / Chapter 4.5 --- Effect of initial concentration of procion red MX-5Bin photocatalytic degradation rate --- p.66 / Chapter 4.6 --- Effect of initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.73 / Chapter 4.7 --- Effect of initial pH on photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.73 / Chapter 4.8 --- Effect of initial temperature on photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.73 / Chapter 4.9 --- Effect of titanium dioxide on photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.77 / Chapter 4.10 --- Effect of UV intensity on photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.77 / Chapter 4.11 --- Photocatalytic degradation kinetics of different azo dyes --- p.77 / Chapter 4.12 --- Photocatalytic degradation of 40 mg/L of reactive red241 under optimized conditions --- p.77 / Chapter 4.13 --- Photocatalytic degradation of 40 mg/L procion red MX-5B under optimized conditions --- p.81 / Chapter 4.14 --- "Photocatalytic degradation of 1,000 mg/L of procion red MX-5B under optimized conditions" --- p.81 / Chapter 4.15 --- Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in calcium alginate beads --- p.81 / Chapter 4.16 --- "Temporal changes of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in 5,000 mg/L of Ti02-alginate beads" --- p.85 / Chapter 4.17 --- "Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5B in 10,000 mg/L of Ti02-alginate beads" --- p.85 / Chapter 4.18 --- Effect of the concentration of titanium dioxide in alginate beads in the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B --- p.89 / Chapter 4.19 --- "Effect of hydrogen peroxide in the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B in 5,000 mg/L of Ti02-alginate beads" --- p.89 / Chapter 4.20 --- "Temporal change of the concentration of procion red MX-5Bin alginate beads with 5,000 mg/L of Ti02" --- p.89 / Chapter 4.21 --- "Effect ofbiomass of Pseudomonas sp. K1 on the photocatalytic degradation of procion red MX-5B in 5,000 mg/L of Ti02-alginate beads" --- p.93 / Chapter 4.22 --- Degradation products analysis using diffuse reflectance-IR spectroscopy --- p.93 / Chapter 4.23 --- Degradation products analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) --- p.101 / Chapter 4.24 --- Toxicological evaluation of degradation products using Microtox® test --- p.101 / Chapter 5 --- Discussion --- p.104 / Chapter 5.1 --- Biosorption of azo dyes in Pseudomonas sp. K-l --- p.104 / Chapter 5.2 --- Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes --- p.105 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Effect of initial concentration of procion red MX-5B on the photocatalytic degradation --- p.105 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Effect of initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the photocatalytic degradation --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Effect of initial pH on the photocatalytic degradation --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Effect of initial temperature on the photocatalytic degradation --- p.108 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Effect of titanium dioxide on the photocatalytic degradation --- p.109 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Effect of UV intensity on the photocatalytic degradation --- p.110 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Degradation kinetics of different dyes --- p.111 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Optimized conditions for PCO of reactive red 241 and procion red --- p.112 / Chapter 5.3 --- Immobilization of titanium dioxide and Pseudomonas sp. K-l in alginate beads --- p.113 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Temporal changes of the concentration of dye in alginate beads --- p.113 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Effect of titanium dioxide in alginate beads in PCO --- p.114 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Effect of hydrogen peroxide in alginate beads in PCO --- p.115 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- "Temporal change of dye concentration in alginate beads of 5,000 mg/L" --- p.115 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Effect of biomass of Pseudomonas sp. K-l in alginate beads on the PCO of dye --- p.115 / Chapter 5.4 --- Diffuse reflectance IR spectroscopic analysis of degradation products --- p.116 / Chapter 5.5 --- 1HNMR analysis of degradation products --- p.119 / Chapter 5.6 --- Toxicological evaluation of degradation products using Microtox® test --- p.120 / Chapter 5.7 --- Application --- p.121 / Chapter 6 --- Conclusion --- p.122 / Chapter 7 --- References --- p.124 / Appendix 1 --- p.142 / Appendix 2 --- p.143

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T17:39:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo5791_1.pdf: 1670952 bytes, checksum: 6df8c09ae5d36f5ddb047252a9044422 (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Faculdade de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco / No presente trabalho foi avaliada a eficiência de um sistema de tratamento formado por um reator anaeróbio tipo UASB seguido por biofiltro aerado submerso (BAS), na remoção de cor e matéria orgânica de efluente têxtil gerado em lavanderia de jeans. Avaliou-se também a toxicidade do efluente do sistema. Os reatores foram operados por 335 dias efetivos em três fases experimentais F-IA, F-IB e F-II, com tempos de detenção hidráulica para os reatores UASB/BAS iguais a 12 h/9 h, 12 h/9 h e 8 h/6 h, respectivamente. Durante o período experimental foram detectados elevados teores de sulfato (>300 mg SO4 2-/L) no efluente industrial prejudicando termodinamicamente a remoção dos corantes. O melhor desempenho para cor foi obtido em F-IA, com eficiências médias de remoção iguais 16% e 96% para o reator UASB e o sistema, respectivamente. As aminas aromáticas foram detectadas em condições anaeróbias, como compostos intermediários da degradação dos azo corantes. O melhor desempenho para a DQO foi obtido em F-IB, com eficiência de remoção para o sistema igual a 71%. O acetato foi o principal AGV formado nos reatores. A partir dele, a sulfetogênese e a metanogênese devem ter sido as rotas metabólicas utilizadas no reator UASB. Foi detectada a presença de material precipitado no UASB, composto em sua maioria por enxofre (>86%) e outros metais (Fe, Si, Al, Mn). A maior eficiência na redução da toxicidade do efluente têxtil ocorreu na fase F-IB. O fator de diluição do efluente bruto decresceu de 64 (toxicidade elevada) para 1, indicando um efluente do sistema anaeróbio/aeróbio sem toxicidade ao organismo indicador (Daphnia magna)

L'étude concerne la mise en œuvre du processus de polarisation tout–optique en vue de l'orientation et du contrôle complet de la structuration de matériaux organiques polymères. Il est démontré que la superposition cohérente de deux faisceaux optiques aux fréquences fondamentale et second harmonique permet de briser la centrosymétrie du milieu et d'induire une orientation polaire des molécules photochromiques au sein du matériau. Les paramètres importants qui doivent être contrôlés, permettant une polarisation efficace du matériau, sont la phase relative, les amplitudes et les états de polarisation des faisceaux d'écriture. Nous présentons une technique originale qui est basée sur la dispersion de l'indice de réfraction des verres et qui permet de négliger l'influence de la phase relative sur le processus de polarisation. On montre également que cette nouvelle méthode développée dans le cadre de cette étude permet de réaliser le contrôle en temps réel de l'orientation tout optique. Cette technique est appliquée à plusieurs matériaux polymères possédant des propriétés nonlinéaires intéressantes, et a notamment permis d'observer la formation de réseaux de surface dans des films polymères amorphes contenant des molécules azoïques. La configuration particulière utilisant un prisme permet d'observer une diffusion translationnelle photoinduite des molécules azoïques, cette dernière étant à l'origine de la formation des réseaux de surface. Une analyse des réseaux enregistrées avec des polarisations s (TE) et p (TM) a été effectuée. La formation de ces derniers est attribuée à un transport de matière des régions ou le taux d'isomérisation est élevé vers les régions ou ce taux est plus faible. Nous avons aussi utilisé la technique d'orientation tout–optique afin d'augmenter le rendement de cellules organiques photovoltaïques.

La industria textil produce grandes cantidades de agua residual con un alto contenido de materia orgánica y color. Debido a la amenaza ambiental que supone su naturaleza refractaria, surge la necesidad del tratamiento antes de la descarga. Los procesos biológicos, físicos y químicos convencionales resultan ineficaces en la decoloración y mineralización completa de estos efluentes. Como alternativa emergen los Procesos Avanzados de Oxidación (PAOs), basados principalmente en la generación de radicales hidroxilo (HO·) altamente reactivos. Éstos pueden aplicarse de forma exclusiva o combinados con tratamientos biológicos con el fin de reducir su elevado consumo de reactivos y energía. Entre los diferentes PAOs disponibles, los procesos de Fenton y, particularmente, los procesos de foto-Fenton (basados en la generación de HO· mediante la adición de peróxido de hidrógeno y una sal ferrosa en disolución acuosa) suponen la mejor opción debido a su elevada eficacia y bajo coste económico. Adicionalmente, los procesos de foto-Fenton pueden llevarse a cabo bajo radiación solar, ofreciendo nuevas ventajas económicas y medioambientales. Esta tesis doctoral se centra básicamente en la aplicación del proceso de foto-Fenton como etapa previa en la degradación de soluciones de azo colorantes reactivos biorrecalcitrantes, con el propósito de generar un nuevo efluente compatible con un tratamiento biológico aerobio posterior de menor coste e impacto ambiental que el primero. La evolución de parámetros clave como el color, el carbono orgánico total, la aromaticidad, la toxicidad, la biodegradabilidad, la naturaleza de los intermedios de degradación, así como el efecto de la fuente de irradiación (luz artificial, luz solar), la temperatura, el tiempo de reacción y la concentración de reactivos, proporcionan información acerca de las condiciones idóneas para el acoplamiento PAO/tratamiento biológico. Los resultados obtenidos confirman la idoneidad del PAO propuesto con este fin, tanto a escala de laboratorio como en planta piloto. Mediante el proceso de foto-Fenton aplicado bajo condiciones de oxidación suaves, las soluciones bajo estudio resultan incoloras, de naturaleza biodegradable y no tóxica. De este modo, el tratamiento combinado foto-Fenton/tratamiento biológico aerobio permite su degradación completa. La luz solar como fuente de radiación en el proceso de foto-Fenton proporciona los mejores resultados. Por otro lado, la secuencia oxidativa parece comenzar por la decoloración por rotura del grupo azo seguida de la degradación de aromáticos para formar ácidos carboxílicos alifáticos -dando lugar a la formación de CO2 y H2O- o el anillo triazina de naturaleza recalcitrante. Una parte importante de los heteroátomos presentes en la molécula original aparecen como productos finales de naturaleza inorgánica inocua.El trabajo está ampliado con un estudio económico y medioambiental del proceso secuencial foto-Fenton (luz artificial)/tratamiento biológico. La evaluación medioambiental se ha realizado mediante la herramienta de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida. En comparación con los procesos simples foto-Fenton bajo luz artificial y foto-Fenton bajo luz solar, el tratamiento combinado resulta la mejor opción en ambos contextos. Los mayores impactos se asocian, en este orden, al consumo de peróxido de hidrógeno y de energía para alimentar la luz artificial. En consecuencia, y atendiendo a los resultados obtenidos previamente, es posible concluir que el proceso de foto-Fenton asistido con luz solar como pre-tratamiento de un proceso biológico sería la mejor opción en términos de efectividad, impacto medioambiental y coste operacional. Finalmente, como alternativa a la estrategia de oxidación química/tratamiento biológico aerobio, el PAO se aplica como post-tratamiento a un proceso biológico anaerobio. Los PAOs considerados son la ozonización y el proceso de foto-Fenton. Los resultados obtenidos manifiestan la idoneidad de la secuencia propuesta, obteniéndose unos mejores niveles de degradación mediante el proceso con ozono. Estos resultados son de especial interés en futuras aplicaciones para el tratamiento de aguas residuales textiles reales. / The textile industry produces large quantities of wastewater that is highly coloured and contains large concentrations of organic matter. Due to the environmental threat that supposes its recalcitrant nature, the application of specific treatment is required prior discharge. Conventional biological, physical and chemical processes are quite inefficient to completely mineralise and decolourise these effluents. Alternatively appear the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), principally based on the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (HO·). They may be applied as exclusive processes or combined with biological treatments in an attempt to reduce their large chemicals and energy consumption. Among available AOPs, the Fenton and, particularly, the photo-Fenton processes (based on HO· generation by means of hydrogen peroxide and a ferrous salt addition in aqueous solution) are of special interest since they achieve high reaction yields with a lower operational cost. Additionally, the photoassisted reaction presents the possibility of be driven under solar irradiation, offering further economic and environmental advantages. This doctoral dissertation is basically centred in the performance of the photo-Fenton process as a previous step to treat biorecalcitrant solutions polluted with commercial reactive azo dyes, aiming to generate a new effluent amenable to aerobic biotreatment (with a lower economic and environmental impact than the AOP). The evolution of key parameters such as the colour, the total organic carbon, the aromatic compounds content, the toxicity, the biodegradability, the generated by-products nature, as well as the type of irradiation effect (artificial light, solar light), the temperature, the reaction time and the reagents concentrations, provide information about the most suitable conditions to carry out the AOP/biological coupled treatment. Obtained results evidence the aptness of the AOP proposed with this aim, either at laboratory and pilot plant scale. With a partial oxidation run under proper mild conditions, the studied dye solutions become decolourised, biodegradable as well as non toxic. In this way, the combined photo-Fenton/biological treatment allows the complete mineralisation. The solar light as a source of irradiation provides the best results. On the other hand, the oxidative sequence appears to begin with the hydroxyl radical attack to azo groups, giving place to the solutions decolourisation. The following aromatics degradation generates either short chain carboxylic acids -finally yielding CO2 and water- or the recalcitrant triazine moiety. An important part of the heteroatoms initially present in the molecule gradually appear as innocuous final products of inorganic nature.The work is extended with an economic and environmental study of the sequential photo-Fenton (artificial light)/biological treatment process. The environmental evaluation has been realised by means of the Life Cycle Assessment tool. In comparison with single artificial light photo-Fenton process and solar driven photo-Fenton process, the combined treatment supposes the best option in both contexts. The major burdens are mainly attributed to the hydrogen peroxide requirements and the electrical energy consumption to run the artificial light, in this order. Consequently, and attaining to previously obtained results, the solar driven photo-Fenton process as a pre-treatment of a biological treatment would be the best option in terms of effectiveness, environmental impact and operational cost. Finally, as an alternative to the chemical/aerobic biological treatment, the AOP is performed as a post-treatment of an ensuing anaerobic biotreatment. Ozonation and photo-Fenton processes have been chosen for this role. Obtained results manifest the suitability of the proposed sequence, attaining the best degradation levels by means of ozonation process. These results are of special interest for real wastewater applications.

El objeto de la presente tesis es el desarrollo de metodologías analíticas rápidas para optimizar los procesos de degradación de colorantes orgánicos presentes en aguas residuales. Se ha llevado a cabo una revisión bibliográfica acerca de dichos procesos y las técnicas analíticas utilizadas para su monitorización y la identificación de posibles intermedios. Se han establecido nuevas metodologías analíticas basadas en herramientas quimiométricas tales como diseño de experimentos para optimizar procesos de fotodegradación con y sin catalizador. Se ha empleado resolución de curvas multivariante para la determinación simultánea de colorantes e intermedios durante estos procesos. Dado que la velocidad de degradación es el parámetro mas utilizado para evaluar la eficiencia de las fotodegradaciones se han evaluado todas las constantes involucradas en la degradación y/o la adsorción sobre el catalizador mediante HS-MCR-ALS. Se ha establecido una metodología analítica rápida para la determinación de colorantes basada en cromatografía de inyección secuencial (SIC). / The main aim of this thesis is the development of rapid analytical methodologies to optimize the photodegradation processes of organic azo dyes from industrial wastewater. A bibliographic review has been done concerning the most employed processes for dye removal and the analytical techniques used for the monitoring and the identification of intermediates. New analytical methodologies based on chemometric tools such as experimental designs have been established to optimize photodegradation processes with and without using heterogeneous catalysts. Multivariate curve resolution has been employed to determine simultaneously different dyes and intermediates along degradation processes. Since the degradation rate is the most employed parameter to evaluate the photodegradation efficiency all the kinetic constants involved in the degradation and/or the adsorption of the dye onto the catalyst have been evaluated by HS-MCR-ALS. Furthermore a rapid analytical methodology for dye determination based on sequential injection chromatography (SIC) has been established.

The dual-writing process of holographic technique was applied to fabricate the two-dimensional surface relief gratings on azo-dye doped polymer film in this study. The structure of two-dimensional grooves was investigated under the various polarization state of writing beam, the various angle between two stages of writing, and the adoption of nematic liquid crystals as the interface. The results revealed that the depth of two-dimensional surface relief gratings produced by the writing beams with P-polarization and the interface of nematic liquid crystals in contact with azo-dye polymer film was about 2~3 times of that without nematic liquid crystals as the interface. As the angle between two stages of writing increases, the first order diffraction efficiency and the depth of surface relief structure in the second writing becomes smaller for the writing beam with S polarization; while the first order diffraction efficiency and the depth of surface relief structure becomes larger for the writing beam with P polarization.