This paper describes the development of two chemically modified electrodes (CME). The two systems were developed using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The first system was developed on glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) with MWCNT and film of cobalt oxides (GCE/MWCNT/Co) for determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the second system with MWCNT and ferulic acid (FA) (GCE/MWCNT/FA) for determination of epinephrine (EP). The techniques herein employed were cyclic voltammetry, cronoamperometry, which were used to study the electrochemical behavior of modified electrodes, for obtaining kinetic parameters and for the analytical characterization of systems. In addition, hydrodynamic and cronoamperometric studies were carried out with the aim of obtaining information about the H2O2 and EP oxidation process. This device (GCE/MWCNT/Co) was built through the electrodeposition of cobalt oxides on the surface of GCE/MWCNT, and presented a redox pair with E0 = + 0.175 V vs. Ag/AgCl, rate constant of heterogeneous electron transfer (ks) equal to 8.2 s-1 and the analytical figures of merit for H2O2 determination were: linear response range of 3 - 13344 µmol L-1, limit of detection (LOD) of 0.9 µmol L-1, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3 mol L-1, sensitivity of 4.37 nA L mol-1 and catalytic constant (µobs) of 1,38 x 104 L mol-1 s-1. The system (GCE/MWCNT/FA) was built through the activation of FA on the (GCE/MWCNT), with detection potential for epinephrine of + 0.200 V vs. Ag/AgCl. It presented kobs of 6.99 x 104 L mol-1 s-1, linear response range of 73 - 1406, LOD, LOQ and sensitivity of 22.28 µmol L-1, 73 µmol L-1 and 3.69 nA L µmol-1, respectively. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Neste trabalho, descreveu-se o desenvolvimento de dois eletrodos quimicamente modificados (EQM). Os dois sistemas foram desenvolvidos utilizando eletrodo de carbono vítreo (ECV) e nanotubos de carbono de paredes múltiplas (MWNTC). O primeiro sensor foi desenvolvido com MWCTN e filmes de óxidos de cobalto (ECV/MWCNT/Co) para determinação de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e o segundo sensor com MWCNT e ácido ferúlico (AF) (ECV/MWCNT/AF) para determinação de epinefrina (EP). As técnicas empregadas para a realização deste trabalho foram voltametria cíclica e cronoamperometria, as quais foram utilizadas para avaliar o comportamento eletroquímico dos eletrodos modificados, obtenção dos parâmetros cinéticos e caracterização analítica dos sistemas. Além disso, os estudos hidrodinâmicos e cronoamperométricos foram realizados com o objetivo de se obter informações sobre o processo de oxidação de H2O2 e EP. O dispositivo (ECV/MWCNT/Co) foi construído através da eletrodeposição de óxidos de cobalto na superfície de ECV/MWCNT, apresentou um par redox com Eo´ = + 0,175 V vs. Ag/AgCl, constante de velocidade de transferência heterogênea de elétrons (ks) igual a 8,2 s-1. Na quantificação de H2O2, as figuras de mérito foram: faixa linear de resposta igual a 3 - 13344 µmol L-1, limite de detecção (LD) de 0,9 µmol L-1, limite de quantificação (LQ) de 3 µmol L-1, sensibilidade de 4,37 nA L µmol-1 e constante catalítica (kobs) de 1,38 x 104 L mol-1 s-1. O sistema (ECV/MWCNT/AF) foi construído através da ativação de AF sobre o (ECV/MWCNT), com potencial de detecção para epinefrina de + 0,200 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Apresentou kobs de 6,99 x 104 L mol-1 s-1, faixa linear igual a 73 - 1406, LD, LQ e sensibilidade de 22,28 µmol L-1 e 73 µmol L-1, e 3,69 nA L µmol-1, respectivamente.

Este trabalho investigou a obtenção de filmes de óxido de cobalto por spray pirólise e sua caracterização para emprego como eletrocatalisador na geração de H2 por eletrólise de águas naturais via energia solar. A função desse eletrocatalisador é reduzir os sobrepotenciais necessários para eletrolisar a água e a decompor em hidrogênio e oxigênio. Para tanto, soluções precursoras de nitrato de cobalto hexahidratado foram depositadas por spray pirólise sobre uma camada de óxido de estanho dopado com flúor (FTO, em inglês) sobre um vidro sodocálcico, a diferentes concentrações e parâmetros de processo. Foram variadas a temperatura do substrato (de 190°C a 300°C), a distância entre o bico aspersor e o substrato (150 mm a 270mm). Os filmes de óxido de cobalto obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à sua cristalinidade por difração de raio-x, e quanto a sua morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados mostraram uma forte influência da temperatura do substrato, relacionada com a natureza do solvente e do substrato, na obtenção de filmes contínuos e com aderência. Para avaliar seu desempenho na eletrólise da água, os filmes de óxido de cobalto obtidos foram ensaiados em uma célula eletroquímica, utilizando três águas distintas: água destilada, água do lago Guaíba (Porto Alegre-RS, Brasil) e do mar (Cidreira-RS, Brasil). Foi avaliada a sua eficiência na geração de hidrogênio e oxigênio, utilizando um voltâmetro de Hoffmann, pelo qual se obtinha o volume de gases gerados na eletrólise. A energia necessária para a separação da água foi fornecida por uma célula fotovoltaica exposta à radiação solar. Da mesma forma, foi avaliada sua atividade catalítica em função do tempo de eletrólise. Os resultados indicaram que os filmes eletrocatalisadores de óxido de cobalto obtidos por spray pirólise mostraram-se capazes de catalisar a eletrólise da água, baixando o sobrepotencial necessário, para todas as águas investigadas. A viabilidade de acoplar tal sistema de eletrólise de águas naturais a painéis fotovoltaicos mostrou-se viável e de grande interesse. Esta comprovação de geração de hidrogênio através de águas naturais define um curso para a implantação em larga escala de energia solar através de um mecanismo para o seu armazenamento como combustível. / This study investigated the obtaining of cobalt oxide films by spray pyrolysis and its characterization as electrocatalyst for use in the generation of H2 by electrolysis of natural water via solar energy. The function of this electrocatalyst is to reduce overpotentials needed to electrolyze water and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen. To this end, precursor solutions of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate were deposited by spray pyrolysis on a layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) onto a soda lime glass at different concentrations and process parameters. The substrate temperature (190°C to 300 °C), the distance between the spray nozzle and the substrate (150 mm to 270mm) were varied. The films of cobalt oxide obtained were characterized for their crystallinity by x -ray diffraction, and by their morphology by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a strong influence on the temperature of the substrate, linked to the nature of the solvent and substrate to obtain continuous films and adhesion. To assess their performance in the electrolysis of water, the films of cobalt oxide obtained were tested in an electrochemical cell using three different water: distilled water, lake water Guaiba (Porto Alegre - RS, Brazil) and the sea (Cidreira- RS, Brazil). We evaluated its effectiveness in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen, using a voltmeter Hoffmann, which was obtained by the volume of gas generated in the electrolysis. The energy required for water separation was supplied by a photovoltaic cell exposed to solar radiation. Similarly, we assessed the efficiency loss due to the electrolysis. The results indicated that the electrocatalyst cobalt oxide films obtained by spray pyrolysis were capable of catalyzing the electrolysis of water, lowering the overpotential required for all waters investigated. The feasibility of such a system of coupled natural water electrolysis photovoltaic panels proved to be feasible and of great interest. This proof of hydrogen generation through natural waters sets a course for the large-scale deployment of solar energy through a mechanism for storage as fuel.

Este trabalho investigou a obtenção de filmes de óxido de cobalto por spray pirólise e sua caracterização para emprego como eletrocatalisador na geração de H2 por eletrólise de águas naturais via energia solar. A função desse eletrocatalisador é reduzir os sobrepotenciais necessários para eletrolisar a água e a decompor em hidrogênio e oxigênio. Para tanto, soluções precursoras de nitrato de cobalto hexahidratado foram depositadas por spray pirólise sobre uma camada de óxido de estanho dopado com flúor (FTO, em inglês) sobre um vidro sodocálcico, a diferentes concentrações e parâmetros de processo. Foram variadas a temperatura do substrato (de 190°C a 300°C), a distância entre o bico aspersor e o substrato (150 mm a 270mm). Os filmes de óxido de cobalto obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à sua cristalinidade por difração de raio-x, e quanto a sua morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados mostraram uma forte influência da temperatura do substrato, relacionada com a natureza do solvente e do substrato, na obtenção de filmes contínuos e com aderência. Para avaliar seu desempenho na eletrólise da água, os filmes de óxido de cobalto obtidos foram ensaiados em uma célula eletroquímica, utilizando três águas distintas: água destilada, água do lago Guaíba (Porto Alegre-RS, Brasil) e do mar (Cidreira-RS, Brasil). Foi avaliada a sua eficiência na geração de hidrogênio e oxigênio, utilizando um voltâmetro de Hoffmann, pelo qual se obtinha o volume de gases gerados na eletrólise. A energia necessária para a separação da água foi fornecida por uma célula fotovoltaica exposta à radiação solar. Da mesma forma, foi avaliada sua atividade catalítica em função do tempo de eletrólise. Os resultados indicaram que os filmes eletrocatalisadores de óxido de cobalto obtidos por spray pirólise mostraram-se capazes de catalisar a eletrólise da água, baixando o sobrepotencial necessário, para todas as águas investigadas. A viabilidade de acoplar tal sistema de eletrólise de águas naturais a painéis fotovoltaicos mostrou-se viável e de grande interesse. Esta comprovação de geração de hidrogênio através de águas naturais define um curso para a implantação em larga escala de energia solar através de um mecanismo para o seu armazenamento como combustível. / This study investigated the obtaining of cobalt oxide films by spray pyrolysis and its characterization as electrocatalyst for use in the generation of H2 by electrolysis of natural water via solar energy. The function of this electrocatalyst is to reduce overpotentials needed to electrolyze water and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen. To this end, precursor solutions of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate were deposited by spray pyrolysis on a layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) onto a soda lime glass at different concentrations and process parameters. The substrate temperature (190°C to 300 °C), the distance between the spray nozzle and the substrate (150 mm to 270mm) were varied. The films of cobalt oxide obtained were characterized for their crystallinity by x -ray diffraction, and by their morphology by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a strong influence on the temperature of the substrate, linked to the nature of the solvent and substrate to obtain continuous films and adhesion. To assess their performance in the electrolysis of water, the films of cobalt oxide obtained were tested in an electrochemical cell using three different water: distilled water, lake water Guaiba (Porto Alegre - RS, Brazil) and the sea (Cidreira- RS, Brazil). We evaluated its effectiveness in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen, using a voltmeter Hoffmann, which was obtained by the volume of gas generated in the electrolysis. The energy required for water separation was supplied by a photovoltaic cell exposed to solar radiation. Similarly, we assessed the efficiency loss due to the electrolysis. The results indicated that the electrocatalyst cobalt oxide films obtained by spray pyrolysis were capable of catalyzing the electrolysis of water, lowering the overpotential required for all waters investigated. The feasibility of such a system of coupled natural water electrolysis photovoltaic panels proved to be feasible and of great interest. This proof of hydrogen generation through natural waters sets a course for the large-scale deployment of solar energy through a mechanism for storage as fuel.

Este trabalho investigou a obtenção de filmes de óxido de cobalto por spray pirólise e sua caracterização para emprego como eletrocatalisador na geração de H2 por eletrólise de águas naturais via energia solar. A função desse eletrocatalisador é reduzir os sobrepotenciais necessários para eletrolisar a água e a decompor em hidrogênio e oxigênio. Para tanto, soluções precursoras de nitrato de cobalto hexahidratado foram depositadas por spray pirólise sobre uma camada de óxido de estanho dopado com flúor (FTO, em inglês) sobre um vidro sodocálcico, a diferentes concentrações e parâmetros de processo. Foram variadas a temperatura do substrato (de 190°C a 300°C), a distância entre o bico aspersor e o substrato (150 mm a 270mm). Os filmes de óxido de cobalto obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à sua cristalinidade por difração de raio-x, e quanto a sua morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados mostraram uma forte influência da temperatura do substrato, relacionada com a natureza do solvente e do substrato, na obtenção de filmes contínuos e com aderência. Para avaliar seu desempenho na eletrólise da água, os filmes de óxido de cobalto obtidos foram ensaiados em uma célula eletroquímica, utilizando três águas distintas: água destilada, água do lago Guaíba (Porto Alegre-RS, Brasil) e do mar (Cidreira-RS, Brasil). Foi avaliada a sua eficiência na geração de hidrogênio e oxigênio, utilizando um voltâmetro de Hoffmann, pelo qual se obtinha o volume de gases gerados na eletrólise. A energia necessária para a separação da água foi fornecida por uma célula fotovoltaica exposta à radiação solar. Da mesma forma, foi avaliada sua atividade catalítica em função do tempo de eletrólise. Os resultados indicaram que os filmes eletrocatalisadores de óxido de cobalto obtidos por spray pirólise mostraram-se capazes de catalisar a eletrólise da água, baixando o sobrepotencial necessário, para todas as águas investigadas. A viabilidade de acoplar tal sistema de eletrólise de águas naturais a painéis fotovoltaicos mostrou-se viável e de grande interesse. Esta comprovação de geração de hidrogênio através de águas naturais define um curso para a implantação em larga escala de energia solar através de um mecanismo para o seu armazenamento como combustível. / This study investigated the obtaining of cobalt oxide films by spray pyrolysis and its characterization as electrocatalyst for use in the generation of H2 by electrolysis of natural water via solar energy. The function of this electrocatalyst is to reduce overpotentials needed to electrolyze water and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen. To this end, precursor solutions of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate were deposited by spray pyrolysis on a layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) onto a soda lime glass at different concentrations and process parameters. The substrate temperature (190°C to 300 °C), the distance between the spray nozzle and the substrate (150 mm to 270mm) were varied. The films of cobalt oxide obtained were characterized for their crystallinity by x -ray diffraction, and by their morphology by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a strong influence on the temperature of the substrate, linked to the nature of the solvent and substrate to obtain continuous films and adhesion. To assess their performance in the electrolysis of water, the films of cobalt oxide obtained were tested in an electrochemical cell using three different water: distilled water, lake water Guaiba (Porto Alegre - RS, Brazil) and the sea (Cidreira- RS, Brazil). We evaluated its effectiveness in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen, using a voltmeter Hoffmann, which was obtained by the volume of gas generated in the electrolysis. The energy required for water separation was supplied by a photovoltaic cell exposed to solar radiation. Similarly, we assessed the efficiency loss due to the electrolysis. The results indicated that the electrocatalyst cobalt oxide films obtained by spray pyrolysis were capable of catalyzing the electrolysis of water, lowering the overpotential required for all waters investigated. The feasibility of such a system of coupled natural water electrolysis photovoltaic panels proved to be feasible and of great interest. This proof of hydrogen generation through natural waters sets a course for the large-scale deployment of solar energy through a mechanism for storage as fuel.

Hydrogen processing is becoming increasingly important not only in the production of electricity but also during its accumulation. One of the energy storage options are liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC). The main drawback of LOHC is the need for a large amount of thermal energy to release molecular hydrogen. We can bypass this issue using heterogeneous catalysis by transferring hydrogen from LOHC to acetone and using the produced 2-propanol (IPA) in the fuel cell. This innovative strategy of getting electri- cal energy from LOHC can be potentially energetically neutral. In this work, we studied highly ordered Co3O4(111) model catalysts for IPA oxidation in the as-prepared state and enhanced with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. Catalysts were prepared by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) and further investigated by means of Low Energy Electron Diffrac- tion (LEED), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD). The nucleation process of Pt on the as-prepared Co3O4(111) surface was studied by depositing low amounts 0.04 and 0.13 monolayer (ML) of Pt, that create clusters as small as 2 or 3 atoms with no need for a special nucleation site. We have identified the formation of Pt-induced defects in the atomically flat cobalt oxide...

Hydrogen processing is becoming increasingly important not only in the production of electricity but also during its accumulation. One of the energy storage options are liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC). The main drawback of LOHC is the need for a large amount of thermal energy to release molecular hydrogen. We can bypass this issue using heterogeneous catalysis by transferring hydrogen from LOHC to acetone and using the produced 2-propanol (IPA) in the fuel cell. This innovative strategy of getting electri- cal energy from LOHC can be potentially energetically neutral. In this work, we studied highly ordered Co3O4(111) model catalysts for IPA oxidation in the as-prepared state and enhanced with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. Catalysts were prepared by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) and further investigated by means of Low Energy Electron Diffrac- tion (LEED), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD). The nucleation process of Pt on the as-prepared Co3O4(111) surface was studied by depositing low amounts 0.04 and 0.13 monolayer (ML) of Pt, that create clusters as small as 2 or 3 atoms with no need for a special nucleation site. We have identified the formation of Pt-induced defects in the atomically flat cobalt oxide...

M.Tech. (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology / This study reports the synthesis and characterization of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using a microwave technique and chemical precipitation with oxidation method. Cobalt complexes were prepared using carboxylic acids (acetic acid, heptanoic acid, and stearic acid) as ligands. The complexes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Elemental analyses (EA). Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from the complexes via a microwave-assisted technique. A precipitation oxidation preparation reaction was used varying different parameters like pH, time, oxidising agent, heating method and cobalt precursor. The use of the cobalt nitrate and cobalt acetate as cobalt precursors resulted in spherical and cubic nanoparticles respectively. Cobalt precursors containing a longer hydrocarbon chain length, for instance cobalt heptanoate, did not yield cobalt oxide nanoparticles with the precipitation oxidation reaction due non- solubility of the complex. Using cobalt acetate as precursor, an increase in the pH from 7.91 to 10.18 caused the cobalt oxide nanoparticles shape to become well defined cubes with a narrower size range and CoOOH needles formed when the pH was further increased to 12.26. The optimum pH of 10.18 yielded cubic cobalt oxide particles having an average size of 25.45 nm with a standard deviation of 6.12. The nanoparticle size decreased from 35.70 nm to 4.45 nm when the oxygen oxidant was replaced with hydrogen peroxide. Conventional heating with a hotplate yielded nanoparticles with a more homogenous shape and size than microwave heating. The size of the nanoparticles increased from 22.81 nm to 25.45 nm when reaction time changed from 16 hours to72 hours.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / A comparative study of electrolysers using different anodic materials for the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride) for the production of sodium hypochlorite as a source of A comparative study of electrolysers using different anodic materials for the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride) for the production of sodium hypochlorite as a source of available chlorine for disinfection of rural water supplies has been undertaken. The electrolyser design used was tubular in form, having two chambers i.e. anode inside and cathode outside, separated by a tubular inorganic ceramic membrane. The anode was made of titanium rod coated with a thin layer of platinum and a further coat of metal oxide. The cathode was made of stainless steel wire. available chlorine for disinfection of rural water supplies has been undertaken. The electrolyser design used was tubular in form, having two chambers i.e. anode inside and cathode outside, separated by a tubular inorganic ceramic membrane. The anode was made of titanium rod coated with a thin layer of platinum and a further coat of metal oxide. The cathode was made of stainless steel wire. An assessment of these electrolysers was undertaken by studying the effects of some variable parameters i.e. current, voltage and sodium chloride concentration. The flow rate was kept unchanged at 50ml/h anolyte and 140ml/h catholyte since it was found to be optimum flow rate for chlorine generation. Figures of merit of the electrolysers were calculated on the basis of three sets of measurements. Analytical methods used for the determination of sodium hypochlorite concentration were iodometric and N, N-Diethyl-p- Phenylenediamine (DPD) titration methods. The DPD titration method was used to determine the chlorine concentration of less than 1mg/L, while the iodometric titration method was used to determine chlorine concentration of ImgIL and above. Sodium chlorate present in the hypochlorite solution was also determined using a spectrophotometric method. The cobalt oxide electrolyser has been shown to be superior as compared to the ruthenium dioxide and manganese dioxide electrolysers in terms of hypochlorite generation. Sodium chlorate was present but at concentration levels not hazardous for use in dosing water for drinking purposes. Analysis of hydroxyl radicals was undertaken since there were claims that these are produced during brine electrolysis. Hydroxyl radical analysis was not successful, since sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid interfere using the analytical method described in this study.

[pt] A demanda energética mundial está em constante crescimento e tal cenário faz aumentar a preocupação com os impactos ambientais, muitos deles decorrentes da exploração de combustíveis fósseis e sua utilização desmedida. Neste contexto, o estudo da pirólise da biomassa apresenta uma alternativa para a produção direta de calor que pode vir a ser utilizado em usinas termoelétricas sustentáveis. Uma investigação foi realizada abordando o tema da reciclagem de madeira sobre a possibilidade de aproveitá-la a biomassa principal deste processo. Este trabalho apresenta a caracterização da madeira reciclada bem como da madeira de eucalipto para poder averiguar a similaridade química entre as duas biomassas. Para tanto foram realizadas análises de espectroscopia de infravermelhos (FTIR) e difração de raios-X (DRX), além de análises de microscopia eletrônica de varredura com espectroscopia por dispersão de energia (MEV/EDS). Com o auxílio da técnica de termogravimetria (TG) foram realizados experimentos de pirólise lenta da madeira reciclada, a partir dos quais foram identificados eventos térmicos, caracterizados por perdas de massa. Para verificar um possível efeito oxidante dos óxidos Fe2CoO4 e Co3O4, realizou-se também pirólise lenta da mistura da madeira reciclada com cada um dos óxidos, tendo sido identificados eventos térmicos que não estavam presentes nos experimentos com a madeira pura. Os principais eventos foram avaliados cineticamente por métodos model-free que permitem a determinação da energia de ativação sem a necessidade de assumir uma ordem de reação. Foram utilizados os métodos de Kissinger (KS) e Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), empregando os dados de experimentos realizados no TG com cinco taxas de aquecimento diferentes até 1100 graus Celsius. Para o evento térmico de maior importância, entre 200 e 390 graus Celsius tanto na madeira pura quanto na mistura, o ajuste de ambos o métodos foi satisfatório e está de acordo com a literatura. / [en] World s energy demand is constantly growing, and this scenario raises the concern about environmental impacts, many of them resulting from the constant manipulation of fossil fuels and their excessive use. In this context, the study of biomass pyrolysis presents an alternative for the direct production of heat that can be used in sustainable thermoeletric plants. To this end, a research has been carried out on the possibility of taking advantage of recycled wood as the main biomass of this process, an investigation that has been carried out along with a company in the field of wood recycling. This work presents the characterization of a recylced and a typical Brazilian eucalyptus wood with the purpose of proving their chemical similarity. Therefore, analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed. Thermogravimetric (TG) experiments were carried out with slow pyrolysis of recycled wood and eucalyptus wood, from wich were identified thermal events, characterized by mass losses. To verify a possible oxidative effect of the compounds Fe2CoO4 and Co3O4, slow pyrolysis of a mixture of the recycled wood with each of the oxides was also performed, and thermal events that were not present in the experiments with the pure wood were identified. The main thermal events were kinetic investigated with model-free methods wich allows the determination of the activation energy without the need of a reaction order pre-stipulated. In this workk were tested the Kissinger (KS) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) model-free methods and the TG data of five different heating rate were collected until 1100 Celsius degrees. For the most relevant thermal event, wich occurs from 200 to 390 Celsius degrees (for recycled wood and its mixture with the oxides) the adjustment of both methods was fine and accordance with literature.

Three-dimensional porous single crystals (PSCs) are a recent development in the growing world of mesoporous material. The mesoporosity allows for the material to retain their nanoproperties whilst being bulk in size. The current work concentrates on chromium oxide and cobalt oxide PSCs formed in the templates SBA-15 and KIT-6. HRTEM is the main technique used in this investigation, looking at the morphology and single crystallinity of these materials. A growth mechanism for the PSC material is proposed based on HRTEM observations. XRD studies revealed that the confinement effect, caused by the mesopores, reduces the temperature for both cobalt and chromium oxide crystallisation, as well as a different intermediate route from the metal nitrates. The properties of chromium oxide PSC are also investigated magnetically and catalytically. Some metal oxides in different templates are also presented, despite no PSC forming. HRTEM work on other nanomaterials, based on collaboration, is also presented.