Os objetivos do trabalho consistem em síntese e caracterização de três polímeros: poli(2,1,3-benzotiadiazol-4,7-ilenovinileno) (PBTDV), poli(2,1,3-benzotiadiazol-4,7-ilenovinileno-co-2-bromo-5-hexilóxi-p-fenilenovinileno (PBTDV-co-BHPPV) e poli(2-bromo-5-hexilóxi-p-fenilenovinileno) (BHPPV), sendo os dois primeiros inéditos; aplicação de polímeros condutores no desenvolvimento de um nariz eletrônico capaz de identificar madeiras; e aplicação de polímeros condutores em um sensor de pressão. Os polímeros foram preparados de maneira satisfatória via redução catódica de seus precursores tetra-halogenados, que forneceu produtos com rendimentos apreciáveis. Para o projeto do nariz eletrônico que pretende identificar madeiras, dois conjuntos de espécies de madeira foram estudadas: (a) mogno e cedro e (b) imbuia e canela-preta. O nariz eletrônico desenvolvido apresenta um conjunto de quatro sensores de gás, que foram construídos por meio da deposição de finos filmes de polímeros dopados sobre a superfície de eletrodos interdigitados. Esse conjunto de sensores foi desenvolvido com sucesso, sendo capaz de diferenciar as espécies de madeira com taxa de acerto de 100%. Por fim, foi desenvolvido também com sucesso um sensor de gás capaz de atuar como sensor de pressão. Esse dispositivo mostrou-se sensível à variação de pressão, do vácuo a ambiente, e os ensaios apresentaram boa reprodutibilidade. A resposta do sensor, frente à variação de pressão, é produto de interação(ões) entre a camada ativa do polímero utilizado (PHBPE, poli(4\'-hexilóxi-2,5-bifenilenoetileno)) e algum(ns) componente(s) do ar atmosférico ou da atmosfera particular do laboratório. Esse sensor é de fácil fabricação e barato (~ R$ 1,00), sendo possível sua aplicação como sensor para pressões menores do que a ambiente / The syntheses of three polymers via electrochemical reduction of their precursors are described. Two out of the three generated polymers have never been described before. An electronic nose was developed capable of identifying two pairs of wood species: (a) mahogany and cedar and (b) Brazilian walnut and black-cinnamon. The electronic nose consisted of four gas sensors, fabricated by the deposition of thin doped polymer films onto the surface of interdigitated electrodes. The device presented a rate of hits of 100% in 80 assays of identification of the above cited species. Finally, a gas sensor based on a conductive polymer and capable of acting as a pressure sensor was fabricated. The sensor was suitable for measuring air pressures in the range of 100 mmHg to 700 mmHg due to its sensibility to one or more specific compounds present in the air. The device is cheap, easy to fabricate and lasts for several months

O Nafion é um ionômero constituído por uma matriz de politetrafluoroetileno (PTFE) contendo ramificações laterais terminadas em grupos sulfônicos. Neste trabalho, a membrana na forma ácida e nas formas salinas (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ e Cs+) foram analisadas, via espectroscopia vibracional e análise térmica. Para proceder à análise vibracional, dividiu-se o ionômero em três grupos, cada qual pertencente a um grupo pontual distinto: o grupo sultanato (C3v) ; o grupo éter (C2v) e a matriz fluorocarbônica D(14π/15). O grupo sulfonato apresenta modos vibracionais de estiramento simétrico (1060 cm-1) e de estiramento degenerado (na região de 1300 cm-1). O Nafion apresenta dois grupos éter, os quais deram origem no espectro a duas bandas: uma em 984 e outra na região de 970 cm-1. Verificou-se que apenas a banda em 970 cm-1 sofre uma influência mais direta do ambiente iônico. A atribuição das bandas da matriz polimérica foi feita considerando-se que a cadeia de PTFE apresenta estrutura helicoidal (157) . Nesta estrutura são previstas a existência de quatro espécies de simetria que apresentam atividade nos espectro Raman e infravermelho. No Raman são ativos os modos de espécie A1, E1 e E2 e no infravermelho são ativos os modos de espécie A2 e E1. A análise térmica dividiu-se em: termogravimetria e calorimetria exploratória diferencial. A termogravimetria mostrou que a membrana na forma ácida apresenta um padrão de decomposição distinto das membranas nas formas salinas. A calorimetria exploratória diferencial mostrou que a membrana na forma ácida apresenta três eventos endotérmicos: em 134ºC, em 250ºC e o último em 325ºC. Na membrana nas formas salinas apenas o primeiro pico endotérmico é bastante evidente, o segundo pico é pouco pronunciado e o terceiro está completamente ausente. / Nafion is an ionomer that consists of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) backbone with side chains terminated with a sulfonate group. In this work, Nafion in acid and saline forms (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ e Cs+) forms were investigated by vibrational spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. To proceed to the vibrational analysis the ionômero was splitted into three regions and which one has its own symmetry group. Sulfonate group (C3v), ether group (C2v) and the polymeric matrix D(14π/15). The sulfonate group presents two modes: the symmetric stretching (1060 cm-1) and the degenerated stretching (around 1300 cm-1). Nafion has two ether groups which originated two bands: one in 984 and the other in 970 cm-1. We verify that only the band in 970 cm-1 is affected by the ionic ambient. The assignment of the polymeric band was made considering that the PTFE has helicoidal structure (157). In this structure four symmetry species are predicted. In Raman spectra the following species are active: A1, E1 and E2 and the infrared are active the species: A2 and E1. Thermal analysis consisted of thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermogravimetry shows that water content is dependent of cation change. Thermogravimetry also shows that the membrane in the acid and saline forms have different mechanisms of decomposition. Differential scanning calorimetry of Nafion-H shows three endothermic peaks: the first in 134ºC, the second in 250ºC and the last in 325ºC. Nafion saline forms shows only the first peak.

Este trabalho descreve a preparação e caracterização de eletrodos modificados com azul da Prússia e materiais relacionados e a sua aplicação na construção de biossensores enzimáticos amperométricos para a detecção de oxalato e de glicose. Os materiais utilizados na modificação dos eletrodos foram azul da Prússia e compostos híbridos formados por hexacianoferrato de níquel e polipirrol ou hexacianoferrato de cobre e polipirrol. Os materiais lubridos mostraram-se capazes de mediar na eletroredução de peróxido de hidrogênio, mesmo em eletrólitos contendo Na+, apresentando melhor desempenho analítico quando comparados aos respectivos hexacianoferratos sem a presença do polímero condutor. Estes materiais foram utilizados com êxito na construção de biossensores para oxalato e para glicose, imobilizando as enzimas Oxalato Oxidase e Glicose Oxidase, respectivamente. Também foi estudada a preparação de um biossensor para a detecção de glicose utilizando a técnica de automontagem eletrostática camada por camada. Esta técnica permite otimizar o processo de immobilização da enzima, obtendo excelente desempenho analítico com pouca quantidade de enzima. Finalmente, são apresentadas a síntese, caracterização e aplicação de nanopartículas de azul da Prússia na determinação de peróxido de hidrogênio. Foi possível preparar nanopartículas com um diâmetro médio de 5 nm, as quais foram imobilizadas em eletrodos mediante a técnica de automontagem eletrostática camada por camada, a fim de estudar seu comportamento eletroquímico. / This work describes the preparation and characterization of modified electrodes with Prussian blue and some analogues and their application in the development of amperometric enzymatic biosensors for the detection of glucose and oxalate. The materials used in electrode modification were Prussian blue and hybrid compounds, formed by nickel hexacyanoferrate and polypyrrole or copper hexacyanoferrate and polypyrrole. These materials were able to mediate the hydrogen peroxide electroreduction even in electrolytes containing Na+, showing better analytical performance than the hexacyanyoferrates without polypyrrole. These materials were successfully used to build up oxalate and glucose biosensors. We also have studied the preparation of glucose biosensors using the layer by layer self assemble technique (LBL), which has optimized the enzyme immobilization process, obtaining good analytical performances even loading small amounts of enzyme. FinaIly, we have described the synthesis and characterization of Prussian blue nanoparticles by a sonochemical method. It was possible to synthesize nanoparticles with a diameter around 5 nrn, which were immobilized by the LBL technique, in order to study their electrochemical behavior.

This thesis deals with organic materials and determining their electrical parameters. In the thesis are discussed methods of deposition of organic layers and their measurement. Described are the aspects, which are characteristic for organic materials. They will briefly mention some new components and commercial systems. Special attention is given to conducting polymers and determining their parameters. In the experimental part were measured VA and impedance characteristics of the conductive polymer PEDOT-PSS. The research was also about material degradation in time and effects of thickness on the electrical parameters.

In the realm of neuroelectronics, the challenge lies in achieving finer observations of physiological processes to comprehend neuronal interactions and computations. This necessitates the development of more compliant and biomimetic interfaces for improved integration with biological tissues, enabling finer physiological process observations. Commonly used flat and static electrode interfaces contrast sharply with the dynamic, complex, and three dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) in which cells reside. Introducing 3D patterns on electrode surfaces enhances cell-chip coupling, improving the signal recording. Moreover, inorganic electrodes are stiff and rigid, creating mechanical mismatches with softer biological tissues, and they fail to fully capture ionic conduction.This thesis addresses these challenges by focusing on designing and engineering a multi-layer dynamic and stimuli-responsive bioelectronic interface. The system combines light-responsive, deformable polymers like Poly(Disperse Red 1-methacrylate) (pDR1m) with conductive polymers such as Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(stirensulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). pDR1m responds to light, exhibiting 3D surface topography deformation, while PEDOT:PSS facilitates electrical recording and stimulation of cells, offering mixed electronic and ionic conduction as well as good mechanical properties. The potential use of an intermediate Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film to improve layer adhesion is also explored. The individual and multi-layer samples were first optimized for spin coating manufacturing, and then thoroughly characterized to investigate their thickness, morphology, optical and electrochemical properties. Patterning of pDR1m-based samples was carried out using laser scanning confocal microscopy and a Lloyd’s mirror interferometer.The pDR1m\PEDOT:PSS sample demonstrates promising morphological and conductive properties, and the presence of PEDOT:PSS does not alter the absorption spectra of pDR1m. The multi-layer approach also supports efficient inscription of 3D surface reliefs without damaging the conductive layer. In conclusion, this work successfully designs conductive and dynamic light-driven films, which showcase good potential for bioelectronics and neuroelectronic interfaces. These interfaces could lead to enhanced investigations into combined electromechanical stimulation on cells and provide a more biomimetic coupling with biological tissues. / Inom neuroelektronikens område ligger utmaningen i att uppnå finare observationer av fysiologiska processer för att förstå neuronala interaktioner och beräkningar. Detta kräver utveckling av mer följsamma och biomimetiska gränssnitt för förbättrad integration med biologiska vävnader, vilket möjliggör finare fysiologiska processobservationer. Vanligt använda platta och statiska elektrodgränssnitt står i skarp kontrast till den dynamiska, komplexa och tredimensionella (3D) extracellulära matrisen (ECM) i vilken celler finns. Att introducera 3D-mönster på elektrodytor förbättrar cell-chip-kopplingen, vilket förbättrar signalinspelningen. Dessutom är oorganiska elektroder styva och stela, vilket skapar mekaniska felmatchningar med mjukare biologiska vävnader, och de lyckas inte helt fånga jonledning.Den här avhandlingen tar upp dessa utmaningar genom att fokusera på att designa och konstruera ett flerlagers dynamiskt och stimuli-responsivt bioelektroniskt gränssnitt. Systemet kombinerar ljuskänsliga, deformerbara polymerer som Poly(Disperse Red 1-methacrylate) (pDR1m) med ledande polymerer som Poly(3,4-etylendioxitiofen): poly(stirensulfonat) (PEDOT:PSS). pDR1m reagerar på ljus och uppvisar 3D-yttopografideformation, medan PEDOT:PSS underlättar elektrisk inspelning och stimulering av celler, erbjuder blandad elektronisk och jonledning samt goda mekaniska egenskaper. Den potentiella användningen av en mellanliggande polydimetylsiloxan (PDMS) film för att förbättra skiktvidhäftningen undersöks också. De individuella och flerskiktiga proverna optimerades först för spinnbeläggningstillverkning och karakteriserades sedan grundligt för att undersöka deras tjocklek, morfologi, optiska och elektrokemiska egenskaper. Mönster av pDR1m-baserade prover utfördes med laserskanning konfokalmikroskopi och en Lloyds spegelinterferometer.pDR1m\PEDOT:PSS-provet visar lovande morfologiska och ledande egenskaper, och närvaron av PEDOT:PSS förändrar inte absorptionsspektra för pDR1m. Flerskiktsmetoden stöder också effektiv inskription av 3D-ytreliefer utan att skada det ledande lagret. Sammanfattningsvis designar detta arbete framgångsrikt ledande och dynamiska ljusdrivna filmer, som visar upp god potential för bioelektronik och neuroelektroniska gränssnitt. Dessa gränssnitt kan leda till förbättrade undersökningar av kombinerad elektromekanisk stimulering på celler och ge en mer biomimetisk koppling med biologiska vävnader.

Ces travaux ont été réalisés en collaboration avec le groupe du professeur William Skene. / Le couplage des aldéhydes aryliques et des amines pour donner les azométhines est une alternative intéressante pour la synthèse des comonomères conjugués. Contrairement aux techniques de couplage classiques qui conduisent à des mélanges de produits, il est possible, par cette méthode, d’obtenir sélectivement des composés ciblés et dissymétriques tout en contrôlant la stœchiométrie des réactifs et les solvants. Dans le cadre de nos recherches sur les matériaux fonctionnels ayant des propriétés électrochromiques améliorées, nous avons planifié de conjuguer des thiophènes et des bipyrroles dissymétriques par les liaisons azométhines. Tout d’abord des analogues des 4-méthoxy-2,2’-bipyrroles 1-2 (chapitre 2) et 3-6 (chapitre 3) ont été synthétisés par une voie générale à partir de 4-hydroxyproline et convertis ensuite en dialdéhydes 8-13 (chapitre 3) qui, à leur tour, ont subit des condensations avec différents aminothiophènes pour donner les azométhines conjugués 17-23 (chapitre 3). / The condensation of amine and aldehyde functional groups is an attractive strategy for the synthesis of conjugated, conductive polymers. Unlike conventional coupling techniques that give a mixture of products, selective product formation affording unsymmetric products is possible by controlling the reagent stoechiometry and solvents. A series of such polymers 17-23 (chapter 3) were synthesized by the dehydration of aminothiophenes and a series of asymmetric bisaldehydes 8-13 (chapter 3) featuring an asymmetric 4-methoxy-2,2'-bipyrrole core. The latter was constructed by a general route from 4-hydroxyproline providing derivatives 1-2 (chapter 2) and 3-6 (chapter 3), which were diformylated in the last step to afford the bisaldehyde monomers 8-13 (chapter 3). In the search for functional materials, the electrochromic properties of polymers 17-23 (chapter 3) were evaluated.

Esta tese envolveu a síntese de 11 precursores poliméricos inéditos, derivados de bifenilos e terfenilos, substituídos por grupos receptores e doadores de elétrons, por meio de reações de acoplamento de Suzuki. Tais precursores foram convertidos aos respectivos polímeros, poli(p-xilileno)s e poli(p-fenileno vinileno)s, via redução catódica, conduzindo a um total de 11 polímeros, sendo dez deles inéditos. Os polímeros obtidos foram caracterizados por métodos espectroscópicos (UV-VIS, IV, RMN), análises térmicas, SEC e medidas de condutividade elétrica pós-dopagem. Um dos polímeros foi empregado na construção de dispositivos metal/polímero/metal (\"sanduíche\"), que permitiram a determinação da mobilidade dos portadores de carga, bem como da altura de barreira para injeção de elétrons na junção metal/polímero. / The synthesis via Suzuki coupling reaction of 11 new biphenylenic and terphenylenic polymer precursors, substituted by long-chain electron donating or withdrawing groups, is described. The electrochemical reduction of these precursors led to the corresponding poly(p-xylylene)s and poly(p-phenylene vinylene)s. Ten out of the 11 generated polymers have been never described before. AII the polymers were fully characterised by spectroscopic (UV-VIS, IR, NMR) and thermal analyses, as well as by SEC and electrical conductivity measurements of iodine-doped specimens. The positive charge carrier mobility and the barrier height for electron injection (metal/polymer) could be determined through I x V investigations of sandwich devices (metal/polymer/metal) for one of the polymers.

Die Copolymerisation wurde mit dem Ziel untersucht, polymere Materialien zu synthetisieren, die die individuellen Eigenschaften der entsprechenden Homopolymere kombinieren. Die Dissertation konzentrierte sich auf die Elektrosynthese und Charakterisierung von leitfähigen Copolymerfilmen auf Basis von Pyrrol- und Thiophenderivaten. Mit einer Reihe von elektrochemischen, spektroskopischen und mikroskopischen Untersuchungsmethoden (Zyklovoltammetrie, elektrochemische Impedanz-spektroskopie, photoelektrochemische Spektroskopie, Elektrospray- Ionisations-Massenspektroskopie, Festkörper- NMR, Raman-Spektroskopie, Thermoanalyse und Rasterelektronenmikroskopie) wurde die Bildung echter Copolymere von Pyrrol mit Bithiophen und von 3-Methylthiophen mit Ethyl-3-thiophenazetat nachgewiesen. Die analytischen Ergebnisse bestätigen, dass Random- Copolymere und keine Block-Copolymere gebildet wurden. Die elektronischen und strukturellen Eigenschaften der Copolymerfilme liegen zwischen denen der jeweiligen Homopolymere und sind abhängig von der Copolymerzusammensetzung. Insbesondere die Halbleiterparameter der Copolymerfilme von Pyrrol mit Bithiophen wie Flachband-Potential, Bandlücken-Energie und Ladungsträgerdichte verschieben sich von denen des reinen Polypyrrols bis zum Polybithiophen, wenn der Gehalt an Bithiophen im Copolymerfilm vergrößert wird. Diese Parameter sind einstellbar durch Variation des Monomerverhältnisses oder des Polymerisationspotentials. Außerdem konnten die strukturellen und elektronischen Eigenschaften des funktionalisierten Polymers Ethyl-3-thiophenazetat durch Copolymerisation mit 3-Methylthiophen deutlich verbessert werden. Die synthetisierten leitfähigen Copolymerfilme können in der Sensorik Anwendung finden. / The copolymerization has been studied as a new strategy to synthesize polymer materials by combining interesting properties of the respective homopolymers. In this dissertation, the work focused on the electrosynthesis and characterization of conducting copolymer films based on pyrrole and thiophene derivatives. A variety of electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance and photoelectrochemical spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, solid state NMR and Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy supported the formation of true copolymers of pyrrole with bithiophene and 3-methylthiophene with ethyl-3-thiophene acetate. The analytical results exhibited that random copolymers were produced rather than block copolymers. The electronic and structural characteristics of the copolymer films were intermediate between those of the respective homopolymers and they were dependent on the copolymer composition. In particular, the semiconducting parameters of the copolymer films of pyrrole and bithiophene such as flat band potential, band gap energy and charge carrier density shifted from those of polypyrrole to polybithiophene with increasing bithiophene content of the copolymer films. Such parameters were controlled precisely by alternating either the monomer ratio or the polymerization potential. In addition, the morphological and electronic properties of the functionalized polymers of ethyl-3-thiophene acetate were increased significantly by copolymerization with 3-methylthiophene. The obtained conducting copolymer films were able to be applied in the field of sensoric.

Le couplage des aldéhydes aryliques et des amines pour donner les azométhines est une alternative intéressante pour la synthèse des comonomères conjugués. Contrairement aux techniques de couplage classiques qui conduisent à des mélanges de produits, il est possible, par cette méthode, d’obtenir sélectivement des composés ciblés et dissymétriques tout en contrôlant la stœchiométrie des réactifs et les solvants. Dans le cadre de nos recherches sur les matériaux fonctionnels ayant des propriétés électrochromiques améliorées, nous avons planifié de conjuguer des thiophènes et des bipyrroles dissymétriques par les liaisons azométhines. Tout d’abord des analogues des 4-méthoxy-2,2’-bipyrroles 1-2 (chapitre 2) et 3-6 (chapitre 3) ont été synthétisés par une voie générale à partir de 4-hydroxyproline et convertis ensuite en dialdéhydes 8-13 (chapitre 3) qui, à leur tour, ont subit des condensations avec différents aminothiophènes pour donner les azométhines conjugués 17-23 (chapitre 3). / The condensation of amine and aldehyde functional groups is an attractive strategy for the synthesis of conjugated, conductive polymers. Unlike conventional coupling techniques that give a mixture of products, selective product formation affording unsymmetric products is possible by controlling the reagent stoechiometry and solvents. A series of such polymers 17-23 (chapter 3) were synthesized by the dehydration of aminothiophenes and a series of asymmetric bisaldehydes 8-13 (chapter 3) featuring an asymmetric 4-methoxy-2,2'-bipyrrole core. The latter was constructed by a general route from 4-hydroxyproline providing derivatives 1-2 (chapter 2) and 3-6 (chapter 3), which were diformylated in the last step to afford the bisaldehyde monomers 8-13 (chapter 3). In the search for functional materials, the electrochromic properties of polymers 17-23 (chapter 3) were evaluated. / Ces travaux ont été réalisés en collaboration avec le groupe du professeur William Skene.

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αποτελείται από δύο ξεχωριστές ενότητες οι οποίες έχουν σαν στόχο τη μελέτη τροποποιημένων πολυμερικών μεμβρανών για χρήση σε κυψελίδες καυσίμου αγωγής πρωτονίων και σε εφαρμογές διαχωρισμού αερίων. Στην πρώτη ενότητα έγινε εκτίμηση του μοριακού προσανατολισμού μονοαξονικά εφελκυσμένων πολυμερικών μεμβρανών Nafion-115 με τη βοήθεια πολωμένων φασμάτων UV-Raman. Πειράματα δυναμικής μηχανικής ανάλυσης επαλήθευσαν τις προσδοκίες για βελτίωση των μηχανικών ιδιοτήτων του πολυμερικού ηλεκτρολύτη κατά μήκος της διεύθυνσης εφελκυσμού. Η θερμική ανάλυση των δειγμάτων με τις τεχνικές της διαφορικής θερμιδομετρίας σάρωσης και της θερμοσταθμικής ανάλυσης δεν έδειξε κάποια ιδιαίτερη διαφοροποίηση μεταξύ εφελκυσμένων και μη δοκιμίων Nafion-115, πέραν της βελτίωσης της ικανότητας των τανυσμένων μεμβρανών να συγκρατούν το όποιο νερό υπάρχει στο ιονομερές. Μικρή ήταν η αύξηση της ιοντικής αγωγιμότητας που παρατηρήθηκε στα τανυσμένα δείγματα κατά μήκος της διεύθυνσης εφελκυσμού. Η προσπάθεια τροποποίησης του Nafion® με διαξονικό εφελκυσμό είχε σαν αποτέλεσμα τη λήψη λεπτών πολυμερικών ηλεκτρολυτικών μεμβρανών με αποτελεσματικότερες ιδιότητες στην τάση διέλευσης της μεθανόλης, σε σχέση με τις μη τροποποιημένες μεμβράνες. Επιπρόσθετα, με τον ελεγχόμενο διαξονικό και σταθερού πλάτους μονοαξονικό εφελκυσμό κατέστη δυνατό να επιτευχθεί η εξισορρόπηση των ποσοστών διαστολής κατά το μήκος και πλάτος της επιφάνειας του Nafion, μετά τον εμποτισμό του με νερό. Όσον αφορά στην τροποποίηση του Nafion με εναπόθεση στοιβάδας αγώγιμου πολυμερούς πολυανιλίνης (PAni) ή πολυπυρρόλης (PPy) με ενσωματωμένα αντισταθμιστικά ιόντα SO42- ή Nafion-, η φασματοσκοπική μελέτη, μέσω ATR-FTIR, σε συνδυασμό με τις μικροφωτογραφίες SEM που ελήφθησαν, οδήγησαν στα εξής συμπεράσματα: Για τις σύνθετες μεμβράνες Nafion/PAni που παρασκευάστηκαν με την τεχνική της διάχυσης, από τη μία ελήφθησαν δείγματα με ικανοποιητική συνάφεια μεταξύ του κυρίως όγκου της πολυμερικής μεμβράνης Nafion και της PAni, από την άλλη όμως, υπάρχει και κάποιο ποσοστό μονομερούς ανιλίνης (Ani) που εγκλωβίζεται στο εσωτερικό του Nafion, και μάλιστα σε σημαντικό βαθμό, που εξαρτάται από το χρόνο σύνθεσης. Αντίθετα, οι αντίστοιχες μελέτες στις μεμβράνες Nafion/PPy δε φανερώνουν την ύπαρξη διείσδυσης της PPy ή του μονομερούς στην κύρια μάζα του Nafion, ή τουλάχιστον όχι σε τέτοιο βαθμό που να μπορεί να ανιχνευθεί μέσω της τεχνικής που χρησιμοποιήθηκε. Ιδιαίτερο είναι το ενδιαφέρον που προκύπτει από τις φασματοσκοπικές μετρήσεις στην πλευρά του σύνθετου πολυμερούς όπου εναποτίθετο το πολυμερισμένο αγώγιμο υλικό, καθώς με το χρόνο σύνθεσης παρατηρούνται μετατοπίσεις κορυφών του Nafion προς χαμηλότερες συχνότητες, υποδεικνύοντας ενδεχόμενη αλληλεπίδραση με το αγώγιμο πολυμερές. Στη δεύτερη ενότητα μελετήθηκαν οι σύνθετες (ή “mixed matrix”) πολυμερικές μεμβράνες πολυσουλφόνης (PSF) με ενσωματωμένες φυλλώδεις αργυλοφωσφορικές νανονιφάδες τύπου AlPO. Αρχικά πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση των νανονιφάδων AlPO. Με στόχο τη βελτίωση της συμβατότητάς τους με την πολυμερική μήτρα έγινε παρεμβόλιση με κατάλληλη επιφανειοδραστική ουσία και χαρακτηρισμός με XRD που έδειξε τη διεύρυνση της απόστασης μεταξύ των διαδοχικών στρωμάτων του κρυστάλλου από 9Å σε 33Å περίπου. Στη συνέχεια παρασκευάσθηκαν οι σύνθετες μεμβράνες με διαφορετικές συγκεντρώσεις της ανόργανης φάσης, με τη μέθοδο του film casting. Με βάση τις εικόνες SEM οι νανονιφάδες φαίνεται να έχουν ικανοποιητική διασπορά στη μάζα της πολυσουλφόνης, ενώ τα φάσματα XRD δείχνουν πως η ενσωμάτωση των παρεμβολισμένων νανονιφάδων στην πολυμερική μήτρα δεν επέφερε κάποια σημαντική αλλαγή στη δομή τους. Οι νανονιφάδες, ακόμα και σε μικρές συγκεντρώσεις, βελτιώνουν σε σημαντικό βαθμό τη διαχωριστική ικανότητα των αμιγώς πολυμερικών μεμβρανών για τα ζεύγη αερίων H2/N2 και Η2/CH4 όχι όμως και για το ζεύγος Η2/CO2. Αντίθετα, η αύξηση του ποσοστού των νανονιφάδων AlPO οδηγεί σε μείωση της διαπερατότητας του H2. Oι σύνθετες μεμβράνες PSF/AlPO δείχνουν μια μικρή βελτίωση του μέτρου ελαστικότητας αποθηκευόμενης ενέργειας σε σχέση με τις πολυμερικές μεμβράνες PSF, εμφανίζουν επίσης ελαφρώς μειωμένη θερμοκρασία υαλώδους μετάβασης και, κατά τη θέρμανσή τους, ακολουθούν τρία στάδια απώλειας μάζας λόγω αποσύνθεσης της επιφανειοδραστικής ουσίας σε συνδυασμό με απώλεια φυσικά και χημικά ροφημένου νερού. / The present thesis consists of two separate parts which focus on the study of modified polymer membranes for use in fuel cells applications and gas separation processes. In the first part, the molecular orientation of uniaxially drawn Nafion-115 membranes was estimated utilizing polarized UV-Raman spectra. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the enhanced strength of the drawn samples along the draw axis. Thermal analysis, carried out via differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis did not show any difference between drawn and undrawn specimens, except from a slight enhanced capability of the drawn membranes to water content retain. Proton conductivity is slightly enhanced along the stretching direction, as well. The attempts for biaxial stretching of Nafion® had as a result the production of very thin polymer electrolyte membranes with lower permeability to methanol than the commercial one. In addition, with biaxial and constant width uniaxial stretching, the swelling of Nafion along and across its surface can be controlled. The process of modifying Nafion by embedding conducting polymer layers of polypyrrole or polyaniline with SO42- or Nafion- incorporated into the film as counter-ions is studied via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with SEM microphotographs. Nafion/PAni composite membranes synthesized by the diffusion method showed very good adherence between Nafion and PAni layers but it seems that there is some Ani monomer still remaining inside the bulk structure of Nafion, depending on the time of synthesis. In contrast, the corresponding studies on Nafion/PPy membranes show that there is no penetration of PPy or Py inside Nafion, at least not to the extent that it could be traced using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The spectroscopic measurements from the conducting polymer side show red-shifts of absorption bands of Nafion revealing possible specific interactions with the conducting polymer. In the second part, composite (or mixed matrix) polymeric membranes with dispersed aluminophosphate nanoflakes were studied. At the beginning AlPO nanoflakes were synthesized. To enhance the compatibility with the polymer matrix conventional AlPO nanoflakes were intercalated using suitable surfactant. XRD characterization showed a further individual layers` separation since the distance between them is increased from 9Å to 33Å. Subsequently, mixed matrix membranes with different nanoflakes loading were synthesized, using film casting method. Based on SEM images nanoflakes seem to be well dispersed in the mass of polysulfone, while XRD graphs implied that the incorporation of intercalated nanoflakes into the polymer matrix did not affect their structural characteristics. Nanoflakes incorporation, even at very low concentrations, improves the H2/N2 and H2/CH4 selectivity and deteriorates the H2/CO2 selectivity compared with the pure polymer. On the other hand, the higher the percentage of the AlPO flakes, the more pronounced the decrease in hydrogen permeability. PSF/AlPO membranes exhibit improved storage modulus, appear to have slightly lower glass transition temperature compared with PSF membranes and during their heating, follow a three steps mass loss due to the surfactant decomposition and the loss of physically and chemically absorbed water.