Yes / This paper presents the experimental results of axial compression tests on concrete-filled bimetallic tubes (CFBT). The cross section of the bimetallic tube is composed of an outer layer made of stainless steel and an inner layer made of carbon steel. A total of 12 specimens with a circular cross section were tested under axial compression. The test parameters included the thickness of the stainless steel tube layer (tss=0-1.36 mm) and the compressive strength of the infilled concrete (fcu=21.1-42.8 MPa). Test results showed that, the two layers of the bimetallic tube worked well together, and the CFBT specimens exhibited ductile characteristics. The influence of the parameters on the failure mode, load versus deformation relationship, axial compressive strength, and strain development of the tested specimens were investigated. Finally, the feasibility of three existing design codes for predicting the axial compressive strength of CFST under axial compression was evaluated. / Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

[pt] A obtenção de nanopartículas bimetálicas envolve parâmetros de síntese que quando são controlados, promovem o ajuste das propriedades físico-químicas das nanopartículas potencializando as suas aplicações. Neste contexto, nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina têm mostrado grande potencial para aplicações em diversas áreas científicas, devido ao ajuste das propriedades ópticas induzida pela sinergia dos dois metais. Embora a obtenção das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina possa acontecer em uma única etapa, neste trabalho empregou-se a rota de síntese em duas etapas para que fosse possível controlar um dos parâmetros essenciais envolvidos na síntese, o núcleo de ouro (AuNPs). Além disso, a platina na forma de ácido cloroplatínico (H2PtCl6 . 6H2O) foi o precursor escolhido para que em diferentes razões molares de Pt/Au, fossem avaliados os seus efeitos e sua influência na formação das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina. Ademais, parâmetros como o estabilizante, tempo e temperatura de síntese também foram avaliados. Para caracterizar as nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina foram empregadas as seguintes técnicas de caracterização: espectroscopia UV-vis, DLS, potencial zeta, TEM e TEM/EDS e a partir dos resultados obtidos foram realizadas as correlações entre os efeitos dos parâmetros e as propriedades físico-químicas apresentadas pelas nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina. Ao variar a concentração do precursor de Pt, observou-se que a casca formada por PtNPs se tornava mais densa e isso refletiu em mudanças nos perfis ópticos das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina. Além disso, a banda de ressonância plasmônica das AuNPs (LSPR) apresentou alargamento para maiores comprimentos de onda à medida que aumentava a razão molar Pt/Au, aumentando também a estabilidade das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina. A compreensão entre a correlação do efeito do aumento da densidade da casca de PtNPs com o alargamento da banda de LSPR das AuNPs potencializa as aplicações das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina em tratamentos fototérmicos. As nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina foram formadas em 1 h de síntese e a partir de 4 h se observaram mudanças sutis nas propriedades ópticas, sugerindo o tempo ótimo da reação. As sínteses foram conduzidas em temperatura de 30 graus C e o aumento de 10 graus C não apresentou alterações em relação as propriedades ópticas das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina. Além disso, todas as sínteses foram realizadas sem o uso de surfactantes e a avaliação do efeito de estabilizantes como o citrato de sódio e o ácido cítrico não apresentaram mudanças expressivas nas propriedades físico-químicas das Au@PtNPs. Em relação aos núcleos de ouro, o alargamento da banda de LSPR para maiores comprimentos de onda pode ser controlado através da variação do tamanho das AuNPs. O núcleo com 7 nm de diâmetro foi o que sofreu mais o efeito da concentração de Pt em relação às mudanças no perfil plasmônico, enquanto os núcleos com 25 e 32 nm de diâmetro apresentaram o alargamento da banda de LSPR mais controlado. Com este estudo, a correlação sistemática entre parâmetros de síntese e as propriedades finais das nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina proporcionou uma maior compreensão sobre a influência dos efeitos que esses parâmetros podem promover na obtenção de potenciais nanopartículas bimetálicas de ouro e platina, quando são controlados, potencializando o direcionamento delas para tratamentos biomédicos. / [en] Obtaining bimetallic nanoparticles involves synthesis parameters that, when controlled, enhance the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles, thus broadening their applications. In this context, bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles have shown great potential for applications in several scientific fields due to the adjustment of optical properties induced by the synergy of the two metals. Although bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles can be obtained in a single step, a two-step synthesis route was used in this work to control one of the essential parameters involved in the synthesis: the gold core (AuNPs). Additionally, platinum in the form of chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6 . 6H2O) was chosen as the precursor to evaluate its effects and influence on the formation of bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles at different Pt/Au molar ratios. Parameters such as synthesis time, temperature, and stabilizer were also evaluated. To characterize the bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles, the following characterization techniques were used: UV-vis spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, TEM and TEM/ED. Based on the results obtained, correlations were made between the effects of the parameters and the physicochemical properties exhibited by bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles. By varying the concentration of the Pt precursor, it was observed that the shell formed by PtNPs became denser, which resulted in changes in the optical profiles of the bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles. Furthermore, the AuNPs plasmon resonance band (LSPR) broadened to longer wavelengths as the Pt/Au molar ratio increased, thereby increasing the stability of bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles. Understanding the correlation between the effect of increasing the density of the PtNPs shell and the broadening of the LSPR band of AuNPs enhances the applications of bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles in photothermal treatments. The bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles were formed in 1 h of synthesis, and after 4 h, subtle changes in optical properties were observed, suggesting the optimal reaction time. The syntheses were carried out at a temperature of 30 degrees C, and an increase of 10 degrees C did not result any changes in the optical properties of the bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles. Moreover, all syntheses were conducted without the use of surfactants, and the evaluation of the effect of stabilizers such as sodium citrate and citric acid did not show significant changes in the physicochemical properties of Au@PtNPs. Regarding gold cores, the broadening of the LSPR band to longer wavelengths can be controlled by varying the size of the AuNPs. The 7 nm diameter core was most affected by the Pt concentration in terms of changes in the plasmonic profile, while the 25 and 32 nm cores showed more controlled LSPR band broadening. This study systematically correlated synthesis parameters with the final properties of bimetallic gold and platinum nanoparticles, providing a greater understanding of the influence of these parameters when controlled, enhancing their potential for biomedical treatments.

This dissertation addresses the surging global demand for sustainable energy alternatives and biobased products, driven by population growth and the imperative to shift away from finite fossil fuels amidst climate change. The research centers on the catalytic upgrading of rice straw bio-oil, employing bimetallic magnetic nano-catalysts on rice straw-derived biochar to align with the imperative for environmentally conscious energy solutions. In the initial phase, the study systematically explores upgrading processes using varied alcohols, specifically ethanol, and butanol, under mild conditions to enhance bio-oil quality. The detailed evaluation of catalyst composition reveals a notable reduction in oxygen content, coupled with a significant increase in energy density and calorific value. The upgraded bio-oil not only exhibits heightened stability but also undergoes a substantial shift towards a more desirable hydrocarbon-rich composition. The second part of the research optimizes upgrading process parameters catalyst concentration, reaction holding time, and reaction temperature using Response Surface Methodology based on the Box-Behnken experimental design. This optimization refines the catalytic upgrading process, enhancing its efficiency and reliability. Beyond catalytic efficacy, the study considers the magnetic recovery of catalysts for potential reuse, emphasizing sustainability on a broader scale. Set against the backdrop of global energy challenges, this research significantly contributes to advancing the understanding of bimetallic magnetic nano-catalysts. The dissertation unfolds in two parts, with the first segment focusing on Catalytic Upgrading of Rice Straw Bio-Oil via Esterification in Supercritical Ethanol Over Bimetallic Catalyst (CuO-Fe3O4/AcB), involving the variation of Cu and Fe metals on Rice Straw Biochar without hydrogen gas. The exploration continues with the Upgrading of Rice Straw Bio-Oil in Butanol and hydrogen gas Over a Sustainable Magnetic Bimetallic Nano-Catalyst (ZrO2-Fe3O4/AcB). The integrated analytical approach, utilizing XRD, SEM, FT-IR for synthesized catalysts, alongside GC-MS and the Bomb Calorimeter for bio-oil samples, establishes a nuanced understanding crucial for optimizing catalytic performance in sustainable biofuel production.

Yes / The first use of a dinuclear UIII/UIII complex in the activation of small molecules is reported. The octadentate Schiff-base pyrrole, anthracene-hinged ‘Pacman’ ligand LA combines two strongly reducing UIII centres and three borohydride ligands in [M(THF)4][{U(BH4)}2(m-BH4)(LA)(THF)2] 1-M, (M ¼ Li, Na, K). The two borohydride ligands bound to uranium outside the macrocyclic cleft are readily substituted by aryloxide ligands, resulting in a single, weakly-bound, encapsulated endo group 1 metal borohydride bridging the two UIII centres in [{U(OAr)}2(m-MBH4)(LA)(THF)2] 2-M (OAr ¼ OC6H2tBu3-2,4,6, M ¼ Na, K). X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that, for 2-K, in addition to the endo-BH4 ligand the potassium countercation is also incorporated into the cleft through h5-interactions with the pyrrolides instead of extraneous donor solvent. As such, 2-K has a significantly higher solubility in non-polar solvents and a wider U–U separation compared to the ‘ate’ complex 1. The cooperative reducing capability of the two UIII centres now enforced by the large and relatively flexible macrocycle is compared for the two complexes, recognising that the borohydrides can provide additional reducing capability, and that the aryloxide-capped 2-K is constrained to reactions within the cleft. The reaction between 1-Na and S8 affords an insoluble, presumably polymeric paramagnetic complex with bridging uranium sulfides, while that with CS2 results in oxidation of each UIII to the notably high UV oxidation state, forming the unusual trithiocarbonate (CS3)2 as a ligand in [{U(CS3)}2(m-k2:k2-CS3)(LA)] (4). The reaction between 2-K and S8 results in quantitative substitution of the endo-KBH4 by a bridging persulfido (S2)2 group and oxidation of each UIII to UIV, yielding [{U(OAr)}2(m-k2:k2-S2)(LA)] (5). The reaction of 2-K with CS2 affords a thermally unstable adduct which is tentatively assigned as containing a carbon disulfido (CS2)2 ligand bridging the two U centres (6a), but only the mono-bridged sulfido (S)2 complex [{U(OAr)}2(m-S (LA)] (6) is isolated. The persulfido complex (5) can also be synthesised from the mono-bridged sulfido complex (6) by the addition of another equivalent of sulfur. / EPSRC, European COST network

<p>In this work, a simple, less time consuming electrochemical method in the form of an electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of PAHs. The sensor was fabricated by the deposition of silver-gold (1:3) alloy nanoparticles (Ag-AuNPs) on ultrathin overoxidized polypyrrole (PPyox) film which formed a PPyox/Ag-AuNPs composite on glassy carbon electrode (PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE). The silver-gold alloy nanoparticles deposited to form the composite were chemically prepared by simultaneous reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) using sodium citrate and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy technique which confirmed the homogeneous formation of the alloy nanoparticles.</p>

<p>In this work, a simple, less time consuming electrochemical method in the form of an electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of PAHs. The sensor was fabricated by the deposition of silver-gold (1:3) alloy nanoparticles (Ag-AuNPs) on ultrathin overoxidized polypyrrole (PPyox) film which formed a PPyox/Ag-AuNPs composite on glassy carbon electrode (PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE). The silver-gold alloy nanoparticles deposited to form the composite were chemically prepared by simultaneous reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) using sodium citrate and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy technique which confirmed the homogeneous formation of the alloy nanoparticles.</p>

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that have been shown to be teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic and pose serious threats to the health of aquatic and human life. Several methods have been developed for their determination such as immunoassay, gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in combination with fluorescence or absorbance detection. However, these methods are known to manifest underlying disadvantages such as complicated pretreatment, high costs and time consuming processes. In this work, a simple, less time consuming electrochemical method in the form of an electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of PAHs. The sensor was fabricated by the deposition of silver-gold (1:3) alloy nanoparticles (Ag-AuNPs) on ultrathin overoxidized polypyrrole (PPyox) film which formed a PPyox/Ag-AuNPs composite on glassy carbon electrode (PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE). The silver-gold alloy nanoparticles deposited to form the composite were chemically prepared by simultaneous reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) using sodium citrate and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy technique which confirmed the homogeneous formation of the alloy nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were in the range of 20-50 nm. The properties of the composite formed upon deposition of the nanoparticles on the PPyox film were investigated by electrochemical methods. The PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE sensor showed strong catalytic activity towards the oxidation of anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene, and was able to simultaneously detect anthracene and phenanthrene in a binary mixture of the two. The catalytic peak currents obtained from square wave voltammetry increased linearly with anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene concentrations in the range of 3.0 x 10-6 to 3.56 x 10-4 M,3.3 x 10-5 to 2.83 x 10-4 M, 3.3 x 10-5 to 1.66 x 10-4 M and with detection limits of 0.169 μM, 1.59 μM and 2.70 μM, respectively. The PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE sensor is simple, has antifouling properties and is less time consuming with a response time of 4 s. / South Africa

Bimetallic catalysts have been widely exploited to improve the performance of various catalytic reactions. Understanding the surface properties and in particular, bimetallic interaction and support effect of the catalytic components is an important step towards rational catalyst design. In this thesis, Ni-Co thin film on polar ZnO single crystal was studied as a model catalyst for ethanol steam reforming reaction. The aim is to provide fundamental understanding of how the surface characteristics of the catalyst influence the mechanism and the efficiency of the reaction. This study focused firstly on the study of the interaction between Ni and Co in oxidative environment using Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). Oxidation of Co is favoured over nickel and the surface is enriched with cobalt oxide. Secondly, Ni-Co thin film supported on polar Zn and O terminated ZnOwas studied by synchrotron based PES. The as deposited layer interacts readily with ZnO and Co is partially oxidized upon deposition, even at room temperature. The interaction of ethanol with Ni- Co/ZnO-Zn was studied by thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). Ethanol decomposes in different pathways on Ni and Co, in which C-C bond scission and methane production are favoured on Ni/ZnO-Zn while dehydrogenation is favoured on Co/ZnO-Zn. Finally, Ni-Co powder was studied byin-situ ambient pressure PES under reaction conditions in order to clarify the correspondence between the active state of the catalyst and the reaction activity. The product selectivity on Co catalyst is distinctly different from Ni and Ni-Co. Also, the decomposition of methyl group and the high amount of CO produced over Co is likely to be the cause for its high level of carbon deposition.

No description available.

Le but principal de ce travail a été de mettre en évidence le potentiel synthétique de nouvelles bases mixtes fer-lithium dans des réactions de déprotométallation en série aromatique. Dans un premier chapitre, les travaux de la littérature sur les composés fer-métal alcalin et notamment les bases ont d’abord été exposés. Notre étude a permis d’optimiser  une  nouvelle base fer-lithium et a montré la capacité de celle-ci à réaliser des réactions de déprotonation relativement chimiosélectives et efficaces. Les paramètres de la réaction de déprotométallation ont été optimisés en utilisant l’iode comme électrophile. Cette méthode a été étendue à divers hétérocycles et le piégeage subséquent à différents électrophiles. Dans un second chapitre, le comportement de la base fer-lithium développée a été comparé à celui d’autres bases bimétalliques utilisées au laboratoire. La fonctionnalisation des triazoles par ces bases a montré que la base zinc-lithium était la base la plus appropriée pour ce type de substrats. La fonctionnalisation à l’aide de cette base a donc été étendue en série indazole et benzotriazole. Les résultats ont été rationalisés en utilisant les acidités des hydrogènes des substrats (pKₐ). Dans un dernier chapitre, les méthodes développées ont été valorisées par la synthèse de 2,4-diaryl-1,2,3-triazoles analogues du resvératrol. Les propriétés cytotoxiques de ces molécules seront évaluées. Cette application reste à approfondir. / The main purpose of this work was to highlight the synthetic potential of new mixed iron-lithium bases in aromatic deprotometallation reactions. In the first chapter, literature works about iron-alkali metal compounds and notably bases were firstly presented. Our study led to the optimization of a new iron-lithium base and showed its ability to achieve rather chemoselective and efficient deprotonation reactions. The reaction parameters of deprotometallation were optimized by using iodine as the electrophile. This method was extended to various heterocycles and the subsequent trapping to different electrophiles. In a second chapter, the behaviour of the iron-lithium base developed was compared with that of other bimetallic bases used in th laboratory. The functionalization of triazoles using these bases showed that the zinc-lithium was the most suitable base for this kind of substrate. Thus, the functionalization using this base was extended to indazole and benzotriazole series. The results were rationalized by using the hydrogen acidities of the substrates (pKₐ). In the last chapter, the methods developed were made more attractive by the synthesis of 2,4-diaryl-1,2,3-triazoles analogues of resveratrol. The cytotoxic properties of these molecules will be evaluated. This application remains to be explored.