Heterogeneous catalysts form a highly important part of everyday life, ranging from the production of fertiliser enabling the growth of crops that sustain much of the world's population to the production of synthetic fuels. They constitute a key part of the chemical industry and contribute towards substantial economic and environmental benefits. Heterogeneous catalysts are also believed to have an important role to play in a future hydrogen economy, reducing our requirements for fossil fuels. To this end, formic acid has been proposed as a potential hydrogen storage material for small portable devices. Additionally, formic acid has historically been used as a probe molecule to study catalyst materials and recent developments in the knowledge of its decomposition pathways and the preferred sites of these reactions, establish a good foundation for further study. This work explores a range of novel modification techniques that alter the activity of Pd nanoparticles to decompose formic acid to H₂ and CO₂. The methods used are the addition of polymers, attaching various functional groups to the surface of the catalyst support and decoration of nanoparticles with sub-monolayer coverages of another metal. Using a range of characterisation methods including FTIR of an adsorbed CO probe, XRD and XPS coupled with computational modelling, it is found that these methods result in some significant electronic and/or geometric alterations to the Pd nanoparticles. For polymer modification, the nature of the pendent group is highly important in determining the effects of the polymer on the Pd particles, with all the tested polymers resulting in varying degrees of electronic donation to the Pd surface. The geometric modifications caused by the polymers also varied with pendent groups; with amine containing pendent groups found to selectively block low coordinate sites, preventing the undesired dehydration of formic acid which results in poisoning of the Pd catalyst by the resulting CO. Attachment of amine groups to the surface of metal oxide catalyst supports, is demonstrated to result in dramatic electronic promotional effects to the supported Pd nanoparticles, and when an amine polymer is attached to the support surface the geometric modification is again observed. Finally decoration of Pd nanoparticles with a sub-monolayer coverage of a second metal is examined, resulting in some similar electronic and geometric effects on Pd nanoparticle surfaces to those observed with polymer modification with corresponding changes in formic acid decomposition activity. Overall, a number of methods are displayed to tune the catalytic activity and selectivity of Pd nanoparticles for formic acid decomposition, resulting in catalysts with some of the highest reported TOF's at room temperature. These modification methods are believed to be potentially applicable to a wide range of other catalytic reactions that operate under mild conditions.

Dans la synthèse des matériaux catalytiques, deux aspects orientent en particulier les recherches actuelles: le contrôle de taille afin d’obtenir des nanoparticules finement divisées et le contrôle précis de la morphologie. Dans cette étude, nous avons utilisé les milieux non aqueux pour élaborer des matériaux catalytiques à base d’oxydes des métaux de transition (Ti, Zr, Mn). Trois méthodologies ont été employées pour la préparation des solides à base de TiO2. La synthèse dans les nitrates fondus dopés avec différents anions permet un boncontrôle des propriétés texturales des matériaux et de la nature des plans cristallins exposés. Les préparations utilisant le nitrate d’ammonium stabilisé avec des molécules organiques azotées conduit à des solides présentant des tailles et des formes de particules variables en fonction de la nature du stabilisateur. Le traitement à reflux dans des solvants organiques polaires conduit à l’obtention des supports TiO2 de grandes surfaces spécifiques. Pour la valorisation catalytique de ces matériaux, deux réactions appliquées au domaine de la photocatalyse ont été employées: la production d’H2 par déshydrogénation du méthanol etl’oxydation photocatalytique de l’acide formique. La réaction modèle de décomposition del’isopropanol a été utilisée comme test de caractérisation des propriétés acido-basiques de nossystèmes. La technique de nitrates fondus a été également appliqué avec succès pourl’obtention en une seule étape des catalyseurs supportés Mn-Zr et Mn-Ti. Ces catalyseursmontrent une excellente activité pour l’oxydation totale de composés organiques volatils(COV). / Two major challenges are particularly important for current research in the catalytic materials synthesis: preparation of finely divided particles and control of their shape. In this work we used non aqueous solvents to prepare catalytic materials containing transition metals oxides (Ti, Mn, Zr). Three techniques were applied to prepare TiO2-based solids. Reactions in molten alkali metal nitrates doped with different anions offered good control of textural properties and of the nature of exposed facets of nanocrystalline particles. Synthesis in molten ammonium nitrate stabilized with organic nitrogen-containing compounds provided TiO2 solids with variable size and shape as a function of stabilizer used. The reflux treatment in polar organic solvents leads to titania supports having high specific surface area. Two reactions from the field of photocatalysis were employed to valorize the obtained catalysts: H2 production by methanol dehydrogenation and photocatalytic oxidation of formic acid. Isopropanol decomposition has been used to determine the acid-base properties of the solids. Molten nitrate technique was then successfully applied in order to obtain in one-step highly dispersed Mn-Zr and Mn-Ti supported oxide catalysts. These systems showed excellent activity for the total oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Des catalyseurs Ru supporté sur TiO2 actifs et sélectifs pour l’hydrogénation de l’acide lévulinique en γ-valérolactone en présence d’acide formique comme source interne d’hydrogène ont été développés. L’élaboration d’un nouveau support, TiO2 modifié par Ca2+, permet d’améliorer la production de γ-valérolactone, grâce à la fois à une décomposition de l’acide formique plus sélective en hydrogène et à une hydrogénation de l’acide lévulinique plus efficace. Ces performances améliorées sont associées à l’existence d’interactions Ru/support plus fortes avec une adsorption du CO plus faible, et à une basicité accrue du support. Elles ont été exaltées par la mise en œuvre d’une synthèse photo-assistée sous lumière solaire comme alternative soutenable à l’imprégnation par voie humide, permettant d’obtenir des particules sub-nanométriques de distribution de taille étroite. Il a été montré qu’un profile de type volcano centré sur 1.5 nm relie l’activité catalytique à la taille des particules. / Active and selective Ru catalysts based on TiO2 supports have been developed for the combined hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone with internal hydrogen supply via in-situ formic acid decomposition. A controlled modification of the TiO2 support by Ca2+ improved the catalytic performance in the one-pot hydrogenation, as a result of enhanced performances in both the formic acid dehydrogenation and the levulinic acid hydrogenation. The improved performances were associated to stronger Ru/support interactions with weaker CO adsorption, as well as to an increased support basicity. The performances were further exalted thanks to a one-step solar light photon-assisted synthesis method used as sustainable alternative to classical wet impregnation. It enabled the uniform dispersion of sub-nanometric metallic Ru particles with narrow distribution and fine size monitoring, and a volcano-type profile centered at 1.5 nm was demonstrated between the nanoparticle size and the activity.

Os eletrocatalisadores Pd/C, Pd/C-15%ATO, PdAu/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50), PdIr/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50) e PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5, 70:20:10 e 50:45:5) foram preparados pelo método de redução por borohidreto de sódio. Esses eletrocatalisadores foram caracterizados por espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (EDX), difração de raios X (DRX) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET), enquanto que as atividades eletrocatalíticas para a oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico em meios ácido e alcalino foram investigadas por voltametria cíclica, cronoamperometria e experimentos em células a combustível de ácido fórmico direto (DFAFC) em meios ácido e alcalino a 100 ºC e 60 ºC, respectivamente. Os difratogramas de raios X dos eletrocatalisadores PdAu/C-15%ATO, PdIr/C-15%ATO e PdAuIr/C-15%ATO mostraram a presença de fase de estrutura cúbica de Pd (cfc), ligas de Pd-Au, Pd-Ir e Pd-Au-Ir, fases de carbono e SnO2. As micrografias eletrônicas de transmissão indicaram que as nanopartículas foram bem distribuídas sobre o suporte C-ATO e apresentaram alguns aglomerados. Os estudos eletroquímicos para oxidação de ácido fórmico foram realizados utilizando a técnica de camada fina porosa. Todos os eletrocatalisadores preparados foram testados em células a combustível unitárias alimentadas diretamente por ácido fórmico. Nos estudos comparativos entre os melhores eletrocatalisadores, o eletrocatalisador PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (50:45:5) em meios ácido e alcalino apresentou uma atividade eletrocatalítica superior para a oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico em temperatura ambiente em comparação com o eletrocatalisador Pd/C-15%ATO e os outros eletrocatalisadores binários e ternários preparados. Os experimentos em uma DFAFC unitária ácida e alcalina, também, indicaram que o eletrocatalisador PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5) apresentou melhor desempenho para oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico a 100 ºC (meio ácido) e a 60 ºC (meio alcalino), respectivamente, em comparação com os demais eletrocatalisadores sintetizados. Esses resultados indicaram que a adição de Au e Ir ao Pd favorece a oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico, esse efeito pode ser atribuído ao mecanismo bifuncional (a presença de ATO (Sb2O5·SnO2), óxidos de Au e Ir) associados ao efeito eletrônico (ligas de Pd-Au-Ir (cfc)). / Pd/C, Pd/C-15%ATO, PdAu/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50), PdIr/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50) and PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5, 70:20:10 e 50:45:5) electrocatalysts were prepared by sodium borohydride reduction method. These electrocatalysts were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the electrocatalytic activity toward formic acid electrochemical oxidation in acid and alkaline media was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chroamperometry (CA) and experiments on direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) at 100 ºC and 60 ºC, respectively. X-ray diffractograms of PdAu/C-15%ATO, PdIr/C-15%ATO and PdAuIr/C-15%ATO electrocatalysts showed the presence of Pd (fcc) phase, Pd-Au, Pd-Ir and Pd-Au-Ir alloys, carbon and SnO2 phases. TEM micrographs indicated that the nanoparticles were well distributed on the C-ATO support and showed some agglomerates. The electrochemical studies for the formic acid oxidation were performed using a thin porous coating technique. All the electrocatalysts prepared were tested in single fuel cells directly fed with acid formic. The PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (50:45:5) electrocatalyst in acid and alkaline media showed the higher electrocatalytic activity for acid formic electro-oxidation at room temperature compared to the Pd/C-15%ATO and others binary and ternary electrocatalysts prepared. The experiments in an acid and alkaline single DFAFC also showed that PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5) electrocatalyst exhibited higher performance for formic acid oxidation at 100 ºC and 60 ºC, respectively, in comparison with the others electrocatalysts synthesized. These results indicated that the addition of Au and Ir to Pd promote the formic acid electrochemical oxidation, which could be attributed to the bifunctional mechanism (the presence of ATO (Sb2O5·SnO2), Au and Ir oxides species) associated to the electronic effect (Pd-Au-Ir alloys (fcc)).

O estudo da eletro-oxidação de moléculas orgânicas pequenas, altamente energéticas e ecologicamente sustentáveis, tem ganhado importância no cenário tecnológico atual com o desenvolvimento de atuadores e dispositivos eletrônicos biomiméticos. Ao longo das últimas décadas, avanços no entendimento de mecanismos envolvidos na eletrocatálise destas moléculas levaram luz à existência de comportamento auto-organizado durante as reações destas sobre diversos catalisadores metálicos na ausência e presença de um suporte polimérico. Nesse contexto, a reação de eletro-oxidação de glicose é uma candidata interessante como fonte de elétrons em dispositivos eletrônicos, gerando 24 elétrons em sua oxidação total a CO2. Os objetivos desta tese foram, então, investigar a reação de eletro-oxidação da molécula de glicose, com foco na cinética não-linear sobre diferentes superfícies utilizando Pt, Au, Cu, e polianilina (PANI) (como material de suporte do eletrodo de trabalho de Pt) nas oscilações de potencial observadas. Para isso, foram utilizadas técnicas potencio/galvanodinâmicas, potencio/galvanostáticas, Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica (EIS) e Nanobalança Eletroquímica de Cristal de Quartzo (EQCN). A reação de eletro-oxidação de glicose se mostrou uma rica fonte de oscilações periódicas de potencial (sobre Pt e Au) e de corrente (sobre Au) em meio alcalino, com oscilações periódicas estáveis, de longa duração e em uma ampla região de parâmetros, porém, a fraca adsorção dessa molécula sobre Cu pode ter sido o principal motivo da ausência de instabilidades neste catalisador. A propriedade das oscilações sobre Au e Pt, em meio alcalino, em apresentar altas amplitudes de potencial tem a capacidade de promover a autolimpeza periódica da superfície do catalisador, prolongando o tempo de vida deste e aumentando sua eficiência. Além disso, a sensibilidade das oscilações de potencial a diferentes adsorbatos permitiu o acesso a informações mecanísticas dificilmente obtidas por demais técnicas eletroquímicas. Estudos nanogravimétricos com a EQCN e eletrodos modificados com PANI mostraram que as variações de massa em condições oscilatórias são determinadas majoritariamente pelo fenômeno de compensação de cargas dentro do filme polimérico e que a oxidação da molécula orgânica é responsável pela variação majoritária de carga no mesmo. O aumento na tolerância destes catalisadores em relação à adsorção de CO e outros intermediários e presença de oscilações de potencial mostra uma mudança no mecanismo reacional em eletrocatalisadores de PANI em comparação a Pt e Au. O processo volumétrico, de aumento e diminuição do volume do suporte polimérico durante as oscilações de potencial, pode ser considerado no edesigne de atuadores auto-oscilantes em dispositivos autônomos. Por fim, a investigação da cinética não-linear na reação de eletro-oxidação de glicose sobre Au foi relatada por este trabalho pela primeira vez na literatura. / The study of the electro-oxidation of small organic molecules, highly energetic and ecologically sustainable, has gained importance in the current technological scenario with the development of actuators and biomimetic electronic devices. Over the last decades, advances in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the electrocatalysis of these molecules have led light to the existence of self-organized behavior during their reactions on several metal catalysts and metal-polymer composites. More recently, new research has shown that such a phenomenon can be used in the control of the poisoning of catalytic surfaces by self-cleaning the surface, using such oscillatory reactions, increasing the catalyst life time and the potency of practical devices. In this context, the electro-oxidation reaction of glucose is na interesting candidate as electron source in electronic devices, despite the difficulty in its total oxidation, generating 24 electrons in its complete oxidation to CO2. The objectives of this thesis were to investigate the electro-oxidation reaction of the glucose molecule, focusing on the non-linear kinetics on different catalyst surfaces used (Pt, Au and Cu) and the effect of the support for working electrode on potential oscillations. For this, potentio/galvanodynamic, potentio/galvanostatic, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Nanobalance (EQCN) techniques were used. The electro-oxidation reaction of glucose was shown to be a rich source of periodic potential oscillations (over Pt and Au) and of current (over Au) in alkaline medium, with stable periodic oscillations of long duration and in a wide range of parameters, but the low adsorption of this molecule on Cu may have been the main reason for the absence of instabilities in this catalyst. In contrast to the high current densities observed for the oxidation of glucose in alkaline medium over Pt and Au, in acid medium the low glucose activity led to low current densities over Pt and unstable potential oscillations in a more constrained range of parameters. In addition, the nonlinear kinetics of the electro-oxidation reaction of glucose on Au was reported by this work for the first time in the literature. Nanogravimetric studies with EQCN with polyaniline-modified electrodes have shown that the potential oscillations during the electro-oxidation of formic acid are strongly influenced by the process of charge compensation in the polymer film, for both the electrode of Pt coated with PANI (Pt/PANI) and for Pt nanoparticles deposited in this polymer support (Au/PANI/Pt). However, the decrease in the potential values where oscillations are observed and the decrease in their frequency can be explained by the increase in the tolerance of the Pt nanoparticles to the adsorption of CO and other intermediates, as reported by several authors in the literature. And in Pt nanoparticle electrodes supported by films such as PANI, the charge variation is still dominated by the organic oxidation reaction and the mass variation in the surface of the catalyst is dominated by the charge compensation effect within the film. Thus, the decrease of the catalyst affinity by organic adsorption makes the dynamic instabilities kinetics slower, as observed for the Pt, Au and PANIbased electrodes. And the higher tolerance of the catalyst supported on the polymer electrode by strong adsorbates, such as CO, does not prevent the emergence of oscillatory behavior, however, it can direct the oxidation reaction of the organic by a different mechanism pathway.

No presente trabalho, métodos analíticos empregando a eletroforese capilar com detecção condutométrica sem contato CE - C4D foram desenvolvidos para a determinação de diversas espécies no biodiesel e etanol combustível. A concentração das espécies inorgânicas (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO4 2- e PO4 3-) e glicerol no biodiesel são de interesse das agências reguladoras devido à capacidade dessas espécies em formar compostos indesejáveis no motor. A separação dos cátions foi realizada utilizando eletrólito de corrida (BGE) contendo 30 mmol L-1 de Ácido 2-N-morfolino-etanosulfônico (MES) / L-histidina, pH 6. A separação das espécies aniônicas foi realizada em BGE semelhante contendo 0,2 mmol L-1 brometo de cetiltrimetilamônio. Para a determinação do glicerol, que é uma espécie neutra, foi empregada uma etapa de oxidação utilizando periodato. Esta reação é específica para polióis e tem como um dos produtos o iodato. A quantidade de iodato produzida pela reação foi determinada por CE. A separação foi realizada em aproximadamente 1 min, utilizando BGE contendo 30 mmol L-1 de ácido acético, pH 3. Este trabalho também apresenta estudos sobre a formação de ácidos orgânicos de baixo PM durante a etapa de auto-oxidação do biodiesel, uma vez que esta etapa acarreta no aumento da viscosidade e acidez, ocasionando a formação de gomas e sedimentos e, conseqüentemente, o entupimento de filtros de combustíveis. As amostras foram oxidadas utilizando equipamento para teste de oxidação acelerada (Método Rancimat) e CE - C4D foi utilizada para a análise dos produtos iônicos formados. As principais espécies ácidas encontradas foram os ácidos acético e fórmico. Porém, outras espécies são formadas durante esta etapa, tais como os ácidos acrílico, glicólico, glioxílico, láctico e propiônico. Em particular, o ácido glicólico se mostrou uma espécie de grande importância prática, atuando como um marcador do estágio de oxidação do biodiesel, uma vez que este ácido somente é formado após o desencadeamento da auto-oxidação e, além do mais, esta espécie foi observada em amostras de biodiesel de diferentes origens (algodão, soja, palma e sebo bovido). Adicionalmente, métodos para a determinação de Cl-, SO4 2-, formiato, acetato, formaldeído e acetaldeído em etanol combustível são descritos. A separação foi realizada em BGE contendo 20 mmol L-1 de MES / L-histidina e 0,1 mmol L-1 hidróxido de cetiltrimetilamônio, pH 6. Para a separação dos aldeídos por CE, foi realizada a derivatização com bissulfito. O presente trabalho também apresenta um método alternativo para a determinação do teor de água e de álcool em amostras de etanol combustível. A estratégia descrita é baseada na formação de monoalquil carbonatos (MAC) produzidos pela reação de um álcool e o bicarbonato em meio aquoso. / In this work, methods employing capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE - C4D) are introduced for the determination of several species in biodiesel and ethanol fuel. The concentrations of inorganic species (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO4 2-, and PO43-) and glycerol are of interest for the regulatory authorities due to their ability to form undesirable compounds in the engines. The separation of the cations was done in BGE composed of 30 mmol L-1 of 2-N-morpholino-ethanesulfonic acid (MES)/L-histidine, pH 6. The separation of anionic species was carried out in similar BGE including cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (0.2 mmol L-1). For glycerol, a neutral species, its oxidation with periodate was employed. This well-known reaction is specific to polyols and generates iodate. The amount of iodate produced by the reaction was determined by CE. The separation was carried out in ca. 1 min using BGE composed of 30 mmol L-1 of acetic acid, pH 3. This work also presents studies on the formation of low molecular organic acids during the biodiesel autoxidation step. Since the implications of the biodiesel oxidation are the increased viscosity and acidity, causing formation of insoluble gums and sediments that induce the clogging of the fuel filters. The samples were oxidized using equipment for accelerated oxidation test (Rancimat Method) and CE-C4D was used to analyze the ionic products. The main acid species were acetic and formic acids. However, acrylic, glyoxylic, glycolic, lactic, and propionic acids were also observed only after the oxidation step. Thus, these species are candidates for quality markers for biodiesel. In particular, glycolic acid seems to be a good marker, because it is produced only after auto-oxidation started. Moreover, it was found out in biodiesel of different origins (cotton, soy, palm, and animal fat). In addition, alternative methods to determination of Cl-, SO42-, formate, acetate, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in ethanol fuel are described. The separation was done in BGE composed of 20 mmol L-1 of MES / L-histidine, and 0.1 mmol L-1 cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, pH 6. For aldehydes, a neutral species, a derivatization step with bisulfite was employed. The present work also shows an alternative method for analysis of alcohol and water percentage in fuel samples employing CE - C4D in order to achieve the limits established by regulatory authorities. The strategy is based on the formation of monoalkyl carbonates (MAC) produced by the reaction of an alcohol and bicarbonate in aqueous medium.

Des nanoparticules à base d’oxyde de titane ont été synthétisées par pyrolyse laser en vue de leur application dans le domaine de la photocatalyse. Le travail montre la souplesse de la méthode pour la synthèse de TiO2 et M-TiO2 (M= Pd, Fe, Cu, Si, N) à partir de tetraisopropoxyde de titane. Des sels organiques des métaux, de SiH4 et d’NH3 ont été utilisés pour introduire des atomes de Fe, Cu, Pd, Si et N dans des nanoparticules de TiO2. Les nanoparticules ont été analysées par microscopie électronique de transmission (MET), diffraction de rayons X (DRX), surface spécifique (SBET), spectroscopie des photoélectrons X (XPS), spectrométrie d’émission à torche plasma (ICP/OES). Leurs propriétés optiques ont été évaluées par spectroscopie de réflexion diffuse (DRS). L’activité photocatalytique des nanoparticules synthétisées a été évaluée dans la dégradation du bleu de méthylène, de l’acide formique et du phénol, sous d’irradiation UV et/ou UV-Visible. Les résultats ont été comparés à ceux obtenus dans les mêmes conditions avec le produit commercial Degussa P25 de chez Evonik.Les analyses montrent que les échantillons sont composés de nanoparticules sphériques avec une distribution de taille comprise entre 5 et 20 nm, la phase cristallographique majoritaire est le TiO2 anatase. Les surfaces développées en analyse BET sont importantes, autour de 80 m2/g (170 pour N-TiO2), comparées au produit commercial Degussa P25. Les analyses chimiques montrent que les atomes de Fe, Cu, Pd, Si et N sont efficacement introduits dans les nanoparticules de TiO2 avec des rendements MPoudre/MPrécurseur au moins égaux à 48%.Les échantillons de TiO2, Pd-TiO2 et Cu-TiO2 montrent une meilleure activité que TiO2 Degussa P25 vis-à-vis de la décomposition d’acide formique sous irradiation UV-Vis tandis que Fe-TiO2, Si-TiO2 et N-TiO2 sont moins actifs. L’effet de la concentration et de l’état d’oxydation du Pd dans le TiO2 a alors été étudié plus spécifiquement. L’addition de Pd sous la forme PdO diminue l’activité vis-à-vis de la décomposition de l’acide formique et du bleu de méthylène. Par contre l’addition de Pd sous la forme métallique améliore l’activité vis-à-vis de la dégradation du bleu de méthylène, d’acide formique et du phénol. Cette activité est toujours aussi importante après quatre cycles de photocatalyse.Nous avons également évalué l’activité des oxynitrures de titane et de N-TiO2 vis-à-vis de la dégradation de l’acide formique et de la décoloration du bleu de méthylène sous irradiation visible. Les oxynitrures présentent des activités faibles, qui semblent être améliorées par l’addition de palladium. L’échantillon N-TiO2 montre quant à lui des excellentes propriétés photocatalytiques vis-à-vis de la dégradation de l’acide formique sous irradiation visible tout en gardant une très bonne efficacité sous l’UV. / Titanium based oxides nanoparticles were synthesized by laser pyrolysis and were tested as possible as photocatalysts. Using the laser pyrolysis method, this work shows that TiO2 and M-TiO2 (M = Pd, Fe, Cu, Si, N) can be easily synthesized in one step from titanium tetra isopropoxideprecursor mixed with organic salts of metals, SiH4 or NH3 to introduce atoms of Fe, Cu, Pd, Si and N in TiO2 nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface (SBET), X-photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP/EOS). Their optical properties were measured by diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRX). Photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles was evaluated using the degradation of methylene blue, formic acid and phenol tests under UV (360 nm) and/or UV-Visible(290-780nm) or pure visible radiation (455 nm). Results were compared to those of TiO2 Degussa P25 (from Evonik) obtained under same conditions.The nanoparticles are of spherical shape with a size distribution from 5 to 10 nanometers, there are mostly in anatase crystallographic phase. The specific surfaces area is always around 80 m2/g (170 m2/g for N-TiO2), indicating smaller size than TiO2 Degussa P25. Chemical analysis indicate that Fe, Cu, Pd, Si and N atoms are efficiently introduced into TiO2 powders. The mass ration MPowder/MPrecursor yield is always higher than 48%.Using the formic acid degradation test, TiO2, Pd-TiO2 and Cu-TiO2 were more active than TiO2 Degussa P25 test under UV-Vis radiation while Fe-TiO2, Si-TiO2 and N-TiO2 were less actives. Therefore, the influence of Pd amount/oxidation state upon the photocatalytic properties of Pd-TiO2 nanoparticles was studied in more details. Pd-TiO2 activity to degrade methylene blue, formic acid and phenol was improved in presence of metallic palladium. This activity is still important after 4 tests cycles.The activity of Titanium Oxynitride (exhibiting large shift of the optical gap towards the visible region) and N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles was also studied in formic acid and methylene blue degradation test under visible radiation. Oxynitrides exhibit low activity, which appears to be improved by the addition of palladium. This low activity could be related to the presence of an amorphous phase in the sample. N-TiO2 samples were active in formic acid degradation under visible radiation while keeping a very good efficiency in the UV.

No presente trabalho, métodos analíticos empregando a eletroforese capilar com detecção condutométrica sem contato CE - C4D foram desenvolvidos para a determinação de diversas espécies no biodiesel e etanol combustível. A concentração das espécies inorgânicas (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO4 2- e PO4 3-) e glicerol no biodiesel são de interesse das agências reguladoras devido à capacidade dessas espécies em formar compostos indesejáveis no motor. A separação dos cátions foi realizada utilizando eletrólito de corrida (BGE) contendo 30 mmol L-1 de Ácido 2-N-morfolino-etanosulfônico (MES) / L-histidina, pH 6. A separação das espécies aniônicas foi realizada em BGE semelhante contendo 0,2 mmol L-1 brometo de cetiltrimetilamônio. Para a determinação do glicerol, que é uma espécie neutra, foi empregada uma etapa de oxidação utilizando periodato. Esta reação é específica para polióis e tem como um dos produtos o iodato. A quantidade de iodato produzida pela reação foi determinada por CE. A separação foi realizada em aproximadamente 1 min, utilizando BGE contendo 30 mmol L-1 de ácido acético, pH 3. Este trabalho também apresenta estudos sobre a formação de ácidos orgânicos de baixo PM durante a etapa de auto-oxidação do biodiesel, uma vez que esta etapa acarreta no aumento da viscosidade e acidez, ocasionando a formação de gomas e sedimentos e, conseqüentemente, o entupimento de filtros de combustíveis. As amostras foram oxidadas utilizando equipamento para teste de oxidação acelerada (Método Rancimat) e CE - C4D foi utilizada para a análise dos produtos iônicos formados. As principais espécies ácidas encontradas foram os ácidos acético e fórmico. Porém, outras espécies são formadas durante esta etapa, tais como os ácidos acrílico, glicólico, glioxílico, láctico e propiônico. Em particular, o ácido glicólico se mostrou uma espécie de grande importância prática, atuando como um marcador do estágio de oxidação do biodiesel, uma vez que este ácido somente é formado após o desencadeamento da auto-oxidação e, além do mais, esta espécie foi observada em amostras de biodiesel de diferentes origens (algodão, soja, palma e sebo bovido). Adicionalmente, métodos para a determinação de Cl-, SO4 2-, formiato, acetato, formaldeído e acetaldeído em etanol combustível são descritos. A separação foi realizada em BGE contendo 20 mmol L-1 de MES / L-histidina e 0,1 mmol L-1 hidróxido de cetiltrimetilamônio, pH 6. Para a separação dos aldeídos por CE, foi realizada a derivatização com bissulfito. O presente trabalho também apresenta um método alternativo para a determinação do teor de água e de álcool em amostras de etanol combustível. A estratégia descrita é baseada na formação de monoalquil carbonatos (MAC) produzidos pela reação de um álcool e o bicarbonato em meio aquoso. / In this work, methods employing capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE - C4D) are introduced for the determination of several species in biodiesel and ethanol fuel. The concentrations of inorganic species (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO4 2-, and PO43-) and glycerol are of interest for the regulatory authorities due to their ability to form undesirable compounds in the engines. The separation of the cations was done in BGE composed of 30 mmol L-1 of 2-N-morpholino-ethanesulfonic acid (MES)/L-histidine, pH 6. The separation of anionic species was carried out in similar BGE including cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (0.2 mmol L-1). For glycerol, a neutral species, its oxidation with periodate was employed. This well-known reaction is specific to polyols and generates iodate. The amount of iodate produced by the reaction was determined by CE. The separation was carried out in ca. 1 min using BGE composed of 30 mmol L-1 of acetic acid, pH 3. This work also presents studies on the formation of low molecular organic acids during the biodiesel autoxidation step. Since the implications of the biodiesel oxidation are the increased viscosity and acidity, causing formation of insoluble gums and sediments that induce the clogging of the fuel filters. The samples were oxidized using equipment for accelerated oxidation test (Rancimat Method) and CE-C4D was used to analyze the ionic products. The main acid species were acetic and formic acids. However, acrylic, glyoxylic, glycolic, lactic, and propionic acids were also observed only after the oxidation step. Thus, these species are candidates for quality markers for biodiesel. In particular, glycolic acid seems to be a good marker, because it is produced only after auto-oxidation started. Moreover, it was found out in biodiesel of different origins (cotton, soy, palm, and animal fat). In addition, alternative methods to determination of Cl-, SO42-, formate, acetate, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in ethanol fuel are described. The separation was done in BGE composed of 20 mmol L-1 of MES / L-histidine, and 0.1 mmol L-1 cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, pH 6. For aldehydes, a neutral species, a derivatization step with bisulfite was employed. The present work also shows an alternative method for analysis of alcohol and water percentage in fuel samples employing CE - C4D in order to achieve the limits established by regulatory authorities. The strategy is based on the formation of monoalkyl carbonates (MAC) produced by the reaction of an alcohol and bicarbonate in aqueous medium.

Des films multicouches à base de nanoparticules de TiO2 et d’Ag ont été construits sur des substrats modèles et des textiles via la technique du Layer-by-Layer (LbL). Les films à base de nanoparticules de TiO2 construits sur substrats modèles ont montré un comportement photocatalytique non conventionnel pour la minéralisation de l’acide formique en phase gaz sous irradiation UV-A, et une minéralisation très importante a été obtenue avec un film possédant une unique couche de nanoparticule de TiO2. Ces films ont également montré des propriétés biocides sous irradiation UV-A. La mise en œuvre d’une méthode one-pot, combinant la synthèse photo-induite des nanoparticules d’Ag et dépôt de la couche de TiO2 par LbL, a permis la synthèse de nanoparticules d’Ag directement au sein des films et une exaltation très importante des propriétés photocatalytiques des films. Les méthodes de constructions ont été transférées avec succès sur textiles. Les films restent photocatalytiquement actifs et biocides sous irradiation UV-A après plusieurs cycles de lavages. / TiO2 and Ag nanoparticle multilayered films were constructed on model substrates and textiles via Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly. The TiO2 nanoparticle based films constructed on model substrates showed a non-conventional photocatalytic behaviour for gas phase formic acid mineralisation upon UV-A irradiation, and a high mineralisation was obtained for a single layer TiO2 nanoparticle film. These films also showed biocidal properties upon UV-A irradiation. The elaboration of a one-pot method, combining the photo-induced synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and the LbL deposition of TiO2 nanoparticle layer, allowed the direct synthesis of Ag nanoparticles within the films and a high enhancement of the film photocatalytic properties. The construction methods were successfully transfered on textile surfaces. The films were photocatalytically active and biocidal under UV-A irradiation after several washing treatment cycles.

Os eletrocatalisadores Pd/C, Pd/C-15%ATO, PdAu/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50), PdIr/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50) e PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5, 70:20:10 e 50:45:5) foram preparados pelo método de redução por borohidreto de sódio. Esses eletrocatalisadores foram caracterizados por espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (EDX), difração de raios X (DRX) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET), enquanto que as atividades eletrocatalíticas para a oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico em meios ácido e alcalino foram investigadas por voltametria cíclica, cronoamperometria e experimentos em células a combustível de ácido fórmico direto (DFAFC) em meios ácido e alcalino a 100 ºC e 60 ºC, respectivamente. Os difratogramas de raios X dos eletrocatalisadores PdAu/C-15%ATO, PdIr/C-15%ATO e PdAuIr/C-15%ATO mostraram a presença de fase de estrutura cúbica de Pd (cfc), ligas de Pd-Au, Pd-Ir e Pd-Au-Ir, fases de carbono e SnO2. As micrografias eletrônicas de transmissão indicaram que as nanopartículas foram bem distribuídas sobre o suporte C-ATO e apresentaram alguns aglomerados. Os estudos eletroquímicos para oxidação de ácido fórmico foram realizados utilizando a técnica de camada fina porosa. Todos os eletrocatalisadores preparados foram testados em células a combustível unitárias alimentadas diretamente por ácido fórmico. Nos estudos comparativos entre os melhores eletrocatalisadores, o eletrocatalisador PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (50:45:5) em meios ácido e alcalino apresentou uma atividade eletrocatalítica superior para a oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico em temperatura ambiente em comparação com o eletrocatalisador Pd/C-15%ATO e os outros eletrocatalisadores binários e ternários preparados. Os experimentos em uma DFAFC unitária ácida e alcalina, também, indicaram que o eletrocatalisador PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5) apresentou melhor desempenho para oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico a 100 ºC (meio ácido) e a 60 ºC (meio alcalino), respectivamente, em comparação com os demais eletrocatalisadores sintetizados. Esses resultados indicaram que a adição de Au e Ir ao Pd favorece a oxidação eletroquímica do ácido fórmico, esse efeito pode ser atribuído ao mecanismo bifuncional (a presença de ATO (Sb2O5·SnO2), óxidos de Au e Ir) associados ao efeito eletrônico (ligas de Pd-Au-Ir (cfc)). / Pd/C, Pd/C-15%ATO, PdAu/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50), PdIr/C-15%ATO (90:10, 70:30 e 50:50) and PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5, 70:20:10 e 50:45:5) electrocatalysts were prepared by sodium borohydride reduction method. These electrocatalysts were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the electrocatalytic activity toward formic acid electrochemical oxidation in acid and alkaline media was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chroamperometry (CA) and experiments on direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) at 100 ºC and 60 ºC, respectively. X-ray diffractograms of PdAu/C-15%ATO, PdIr/C-15%ATO and PdAuIr/C-15%ATO electrocatalysts showed the presence of Pd (fcc) phase, Pd-Au, Pd-Ir and Pd-Au-Ir alloys, carbon and SnO2 phases. TEM micrographs indicated that the nanoparticles were well distributed on the C-ATO support and showed some agglomerates. The electrochemical studies for the formic acid oxidation were performed using a thin porous coating technique. All the electrocatalysts prepared were tested in single fuel cells directly fed with acid formic. The PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (50:45:5) electrocatalyst in acid and alkaline media showed the higher electrocatalytic activity for acid formic electro-oxidation at room temperature compared to the Pd/C-15%ATO and others binary and ternary electrocatalysts prepared. The experiments in an acid and alkaline single DFAFC also showed that PdAuIr/C-15%ATO (90:5:5) electrocatalyst exhibited higher performance for formic acid oxidation at 100 ºC and 60 ºC, respectively, in comparison with the others electrocatalysts synthesized. These results indicated that the addition of Au and Ir to Pd promote the formic acid electrochemical oxidation, which could be attributed to the bifunctional mechanism (the presence of ATO (Sb2O5·SnO2), Au and Ir oxides species) associated to the electronic effect (Pd-Au-Ir alloys (fcc)).