Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Esta tese apresenta as espectroscopias de fotoluminescência, excitação e fotoacústica de amostras MgGa2O4 dopadas com 0,1%, 0,5% e 1,0% de Ni2+, obtidas pelo método de estado sólido e duas amostras distintas GaNbO4-GaNb11O29-Ga2O3 dopadas com 1,0% de Cr3+, uma sintetizada por reação de estado sólido e a outra pelo método de acetato. As amostras foram identificadas por Difração de Raios X e os dados foram refinados pelo método de Rietveld. A morfologia das amostras foi observada por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Os espectros ópticos das amostras apresentaram bandas de absorção e emissão do visível ao infravermelho próximo. As transições de energia foram analisadas com base na teoria de campo cristalino e os parâmetros de energia foram obtidos a partir de espectros de absorção e das matrizes de Tanabe-Sugano. / This work presents the photoluminescence, excitation and photoacoustic spectroscopy of samples MgGa2O4 doped with 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% of Ni2+, obtained through solid state method and two different samples GaNbO4-GaNb11O29-Ga2O3 doped with 1.0% of Cr3+, one synthesized by solid state reaction and another by wet chemical method. The samples were identified by X Ray Diffraction and the data were refined by Rietveld method. The morphology of samples was observed by SEM. The optical spectra of samples showed emission and absorption bands from visible to near infrared. The energy transitions were analyzed based on the crystal field theory and the energy parameters were obtained from absorption spectra and Tanabe-Sugano matrices.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Esta tese apresenta as espectroscopias de fotoluminescência, excitação e fotoacústica de amostras MgGa2O4 dopadas com 0,1%, 0,5% e 1,0% de Ni2+, obtidas pelo método de estado sólido e duas amostras distintas GaNbO4-GaNb11O29-Ga2O3 dopadas com 1,0% de Cr3+, uma sintetizada por reação de estado sólido e a outra pelo método de acetato. As amostras foram identificadas por Difração de Raios X e os dados foram refinados pelo método de Rietveld. A morfologia das amostras foi observada por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Os espectros ópticos das amostras apresentaram bandas de absorção e emissão do visível ao infravermelho próximo. As transições de energia foram analisadas com base na teoria de campo cristalino e os parâmetros de energia foram obtidos a partir de espectros de absorção e das matrizes de Tanabe-Sugano. / This work presents the photoluminescence, excitation and photoacoustic spectroscopy of samples MgGa2O4 doped with 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% of Ni2+, obtained through solid state method and two different samples GaNbO4-GaNb11O29-Ga2O3 doped with 1.0% of Cr3+, one synthesized by solid state reaction and another by wet chemical method. The samples were identified by X Ray Diffraction and the data were refined by Rietveld method. The morphology of samples was observed by SEM. The optical spectra of samples showed emission and absorption bands from visible to near infrared. The energy transitions were analyzed based on the crystal field theory and the energy parameters were obtained from absorption spectra and Tanabe-Sugano matrices.

Cette thèse porte sur le développement de fibres optiques de type cœur/gaine, dont le cœur est composé de vitrocéramiques transparentes. Le système étudié est composé d’une matrice de silice stabilisant la phase ZnGa2O4 sous la forme de nano cristaux, pouvant être dopés par des ions de métaux de transition tels que le chrome (III) et le nickel (II). Les verres précurseurs de vitrocéramiques ont été synthétisés par fusion trempe, étirés sous forme de fibres optiques par la méthode poudre puis recuits thermiquement afin d’obtenir des fibres optiques à cœur vitrocéramiques optiquement actives. L’optimisation conjointe de la composition des verres précurseurs, des paramètres de fibrage, de la composition finale des fibres et du protocole de recuit thermique de cristallisation, ont permis de maximiser leurs propriétés de luminescence autour de 700 nm et 1350 nm pour les fibres dopées par du chrome (III) et du nickel (II) respectivement. Ces types de fibres peuvent trouver des applications dans les domaines de la thermométrie optique, des sources optiques, des amplificateurs et des lasers fibrés. En particulier, nous avons démontré que le spectre d’émission autour de 1350 nm des fibres dopées par du nickel (II) présente une largeur à mi-hauteur supérieure à 270 nm, meilleure que celle des sources commerciales centrées autour de 1300 nm. Le niveau de puissance émise, de l’ordre d’une trentaine de microwatts, est quasiment compatible avec les applications de source optique pour l’OCT. Des développements ultérieurs visant à réduire le niveau de pertes dans ces fibres et de maximiser l’efficacité du dopant permettrons d’amener cette technologie à un niveau de performance compatible avec ces applications. Ces résultats encourageants ont motivés le dépôt d’une demande de protection des fibres et de leur procédé d’élaboration par un brevet. / This thesis focuses on the development of core/clad type optical fibers where the core is composed of transparent glass ceramics. The system considered was composed of a silica matrix where ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals can be stabilized. Those crystals can interestingly be doped with transition metal ions such as chromium (III) or nickel (II) ions. The precursor glass were synthetized by melt quenching method, drawn into fibers through the powder in tube process, and subsequently annealed to produce optically active glass ceramic optical fibers. The starting glass composition together with the drawing parameters, the fiber core composition and the annealing protocol were optimized in order to maximize the luminescence properties around 700 nm and 1350 nm in chromium (III) and nickel (II) doped fibers respectively. Such type of fibers are interesting for the domains of optical thermometry, fibered sources, amplifiers and lasers. In particular, we demonstrated that the emission spectrum around 1350 nm of nickel (II) doped glass ceramic fibers exhibited a full width at half maximum above 270 nm, wider than that of 1300 nm centered commercial sources. The overall power outcome is about thirty micro watts, which is almost suitable for OCT applications. Further developments aiming at reducing the optical losses in the fibers and in maximizing the dopant efficiency will allow to reach the applications requirements. Those promising results led to a patent application on the fibers composition and their fabrication process.

The development of metal-tolerance and antibiotic resistance in bacteria may be caused by metals polluting a particular environment. During mining and mineral processing activities, large quantities of metals are deposited into the soil. These high concentrations of metals are evolutionary pressures selecting for microorganisms tolerant to these metals. Metaltolerance maybe conferred to these organisms by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids. This study describes the characteristics of plasmids isolated from various bacteria that displayed an ability to withstand high metal concentrations. The isolated plasmids were individually transformed into Escherichia coli JM109. Transformants were then evaluated for metal-tolerant capabilities using a microdilution approach. Plasmids were then isolated from the transformants and the concentration of the plasmid DNA ranged between 11.75 – 118.06 ng/μl. These plasmids were of the same size as the original ones. This demonstrated that successful transformations with plasmid DNA were conducted. In order to determine the compatibility group, plasmids were subjected to PCR amplification using IncQ, IncP-9 and IncW specific primers. Only the IncW provided positive results. To demonstrate that the plasmids were free of genomic DNA, a 16S rDNA PCR test was included. The plasmids that were positive for IncW PCRs were all negative for the rDNA PCRs. Plasmids were stably inherited and at least three, isolated from three different Gram positive species, belonged to the Inc W group of plasmids. These were originally isolated from Paenibacillus ginsingari, Paenibacillus lautus and Bacillus cereus. Minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) were carried out to determine the ability of transformed E. coli JM109 to tolerate metals at varying concentrations. Results indicated that transformed E. coli JM109 developed ability to grow in the presence of several heavy metals. Some strains were resistant to high concentrations (+10 mM) of Ni2+/Al3+, Pb2+ and Ba2+. The order of metal resistance was Ni/Al=Pb>Ba>Mn>Cr>Cu>Co=Hg. All the x transformants were sensitive to 1 mM of Co2+ and Hg2+. Moreover, protein profiling was used to determine the impact of plasmids on E. coli JM109. Proteins were extracted from both transformed and un-transformed E. coli JM109 using acetone-SDS protocol and subjected to one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE). Transformed E. coli JM109 were grown under the metal stress. One dimension SDS-PAGE illustrated general similarity of the profiles except for two banding positions in the 30 to 35 kDa region where bands were present in the transformants that were grown in the Ni/Al alloy containing media. Twodimensional electrophoresis PAGE analysis showed that some of the proteins were upregulated while others were down-regulated. The largest numbers of proteins were from 15 – 75 kDa. The majority of these proteins had isoelectric points (pI) between 5 and 6. It was concluded that plasmids isolated from various heavy metal-tolerant bacterial species were successfully transformed into E. coli JM109 rendering various new metal-tolerant E. coli JM109 strains. Furthermore, the study showed that metal resistance was due to the presence of the plasmids. Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE resolved more differences in the protein expression profiles. Since the plasmids rendered the E. coli JM109 tolerant to metals tested, it also can be concluded that the change in the protein profiles was due to the effects of the plasmids. Furthermore, plasmids were also re-isolated from the transformants and these plasmids were of the same size as the original ones.. All the plasmids in this study were also stably inherited, a feature associated with IncW plasmids. More detailed genetic characterization of these plasmids is required. Plasmids isolated and characterized in this study may hold biotechnology potential. Such features should be exploited in follow-up experiments. / Thesis (Master of Environmental Sciences)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The development of metal-tolerance and antibiotic resistance in bacteria may be caused by metals polluting a particular environment. During mining and mineral processing activities, large quantities of metals are deposited into the soil. These high concentrations of metals are evolutionary pressures selecting for microorganisms tolerant to these metals. Metaltolerance maybe conferred to these organisms by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids. This study describes the characteristics of plasmids isolated from various bacteria that displayed an ability to withstand high metal concentrations. The isolated plasmids were individually transformed into Escherichia coli JM109. Transformants were then evaluated for metal-tolerant capabilities using a microdilution approach. Plasmids were then isolated from the transformants and the concentration of the plasmid DNA ranged between 11.75 – 118.06 ng/μl. These plasmids were of the same size as the original ones. This demonstrated that successful transformations with plasmid DNA were conducted. In order to determine the compatibility group, plasmids were subjected to PCR amplification using IncQ, IncP-9 and IncW specific primers. Only the IncW provided positive results. To demonstrate that the plasmids were free of genomic DNA, a 16S rDNA PCR test was included. The plasmids that were positive for IncW PCRs were all negative for the rDNA PCRs. Plasmids were stably inherited and at least three, isolated from three different Gram positive species, belonged to the Inc W group of plasmids. These were originally isolated from Paenibacillus ginsingari, Paenibacillus lautus and Bacillus cereus. Minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) were carried out to determine the ability of transformed E. coli JM109 to tolerate metals at varying concentrations. Results indicated that transformed E. coli JM109 developed ability to grow in the presence of several heavy metals. Some strains were resistant to high concentrations (+10 mM) of Ni2+/Al3+, Pb2+ and Ba2+. The order of metal resistance was Ni/Al=Pb>Ba>Mn>Cr>Cu>Co=Hg. All the x transformants were sensitive to 1 mM of Co2+ and Hg2+. Moreover, protein profiling was used to determine the impact of plasmids on E. coli JM109. Proteins were extracted from both transformed and un-transformed E. coli JM109 using acetone-SDS protocol and subjected to one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE). Transformed E. coli JM109 were grown under the metal stress. One dimension SDS-PAGE illustrated general similarity of the profiles except for two banding positions in the 30 to 35 kDa region where bands were present in the transformants that were grown in the Ni/Al alloy containing media. Twodimensional electrophoresis PAGE analysis showed that some of the proteins were upregulated while others were down-regulated. The largest numbers of proteins were from 15 – 75 kDa. The majority of these proteins had isoelectric points (pI) between 5 and 6. It was concluded that plasmids isolated from various heavy metal-tolerant bacterial species were successfully transformed into E. coli JM109 rendering various new metal-tolerant E. coli JM109 strains. Furthermore, the study showed that metal resistance was due to the presence of the plasmids. Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE resolved more differences in the protein expression profiles. Since the plasmids rendered the E. coli JM109 tolerant to metals tested, it also can be concluded that the change in the protein profiles was due to the effects of the plasmids. Furthermore, plasmids were also re-isolated from the transformants and these plasmids were of the same size as the original ones.. All the plasmids in this study were also stably inherited, a feature associated with IncW plasmids. More detailed genetic characterization of these plasmids is required. Plasmids isolated and characterized in this study may hold biotechnology potential. Such features should be exploited in follow-up experiments. / Thesis (Master of Environmental Sciences)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Ethylene hydrogenation on Ni(111) / equilibrium geometry calculations for Ni2 dimer, Ni13 and Ni55 nanoclusters / and ethylene adsorption on Ni(100), Ni(111), Ni2, and Ni13 were studied quantum mechanically by means of energetic and kinetic differences. Ethylene hydrogenation on Ni(111) was simulated by use of DFT/B3LYP/6-31G** formalism. The reaction mechanism was mainly composed of three elementary steps. Firstly, ethylene adsorption on bare Ni(111) surface was performed. Second step and third step were the formation of ethane from adsorbed ethylene by use of two types of hydrogen atom, bulk and surface. During the hydrogenation reaction of ethylene on Ni(111), bulk hydrogen atom, representing for hydrogen atoms emerging from the bulk of Ni metal, was determined to be rather reactive than surface hydrogen atom, as suggested by experimental findings. Small Ni clusters, Ni2 and Ni13, were investigated by means of DFT/B3LYP/modified-6-31G**. Equilibrium geometry calculations resulted in Ni2 binding energy of 1.078eV/atom, showing good agreement with experimental value. Ni13 was found to have a structure of icosahedral, suggested experimentally, and binding energy of 2.70eV/atom. Ni55 was, also, studied by semi-empirical PM3 formalism, resulting in expected icosahedral structure. Finally, DFT/B3LYP/6-31G** investigation of ethylene adsorption was performed on Ni(111), Ni(100) and Ni13 surfaces which were selected according to their nickel atom coordination numbers of 9, 8 and 6, respectively. Comparison of adsorption energies of -18.00kcal/mol, -31.4kcal/mol and -43.42kcal/mol, respectively, indicated that the change in energies for ethylene adsorption on different nickel surfaces was directly proportional to coordination number of the nickel atoms constructing the surfaces.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This work elaborates on the determination of crystal and molecular structures of four pro-ligands, emphasizing bis(triazenes), triazene 1-oxide and a new class of bis(triazenes) macrocyclic, and eight complexes involving Cu+, Cu2 +, Ni2 + and K+. Pro-ligands triazenes 1-oxide are relatively small and simple molecules. When they are deprotonated they presen a high ability to form supramolecular assemblies, either because they are planar and facilitate the metal-metal approach and the formation of π···π interactions _ as in the case of complex (2) _, or because they have substituents with capacity of act as agent of secondary complexation forming polycationic structures _ as in the case of complex (3). Pro-ligand bis(triazenes) are double agents of complexation. The bis(triazene) (4) complexed Copper(I) forming a binuclear complex (5). The same ligand also led to binuclear complexes of Copper(II) through the chelate and macrocyclic effect, forming two types of crystal structures, one non-centrosymmetric (6), the other centrosymmetric (7). The pro-ligand bis(triazene) macrocyclic (8) has a cavity with ideal size for the complexation of transition metals, resulting, for example, in complex (9) with the cation Nickel(II). The ligand in this complex has substituents in para position. These substituents, two pyridine molecules (in the coordination sphere of the metal) and two pyridine molecules (as solvate of crystallization) form weak electrostatic interactions in the supramolecular arrangement. The bis(triazene) macrocyclic (10) has a central cavity larger than the bis(triazene) macrocyclic (8), allowing the complexation of larger molecules or ions. The analysis by X-ray diffraction on single crystal for the compound (10) revealed the presence of disordered water molecules inside the cavity, forming a chain of water molecules perpendicular to the stacked molecules of (10). When the compound (10) is deprotonated with a weak base such as pyridine, the deprotonation occurs partially, leading to a binuclear complex with Copper(II)-bridged μ2-OH (11). Two molecules of the ligand coordinate the two Copper(II) cations, and the coordination sphere is completed by two axial pyridine molecules. When the compound (10) is deprotonated with a strong base such as sodium or potassium ethanolate, the deprotonation occurs totally, leading to a binuclear conmplex with Copper(II)-bridged μ2-OCH2CH3 (12). One molecule ligand coordinates two Copper(II) cations and the coordination sphere is also supplemented by two axial pyridine molecules. The synthesis of a new class of macrocyclic triazenes has been successfully performed as well as the synthesis of their metallic complexes. The characterization of their structures and supramolecular assemblies was performed using the analysis by X-ray diffraction on single crystal and other secondary methods. / Este trabalho apresenta as determinações das estruturas cristalinas/moleculares de quatro pró-ligantes, enfatizando bis(triazenos), triazeno 1-óxido e a nova classe de bis(triazenos) macrocíclicos, e oito complexos envolvendo os cátions Cu+, Cu2+, Ni2+ e K+. Pró-ligantes triazenos 1-óxido são moléculas relativamente pequenas e simples, que quando desprotonadas apresentam elevada capacidade de formação de arranjos supramoleculares, sejam pelo fato de serem planares e facilitarem a aproximação metal-metal e a formação de interações π···π, como no caso do complexo (2), ou pelo fato de apresentarem substituintes capazes de atuarem como complexantes secundários, formando estruturas policatiônicas complexas, como no caso do complexo (3). Pró-ligantes bis(triazenos) são agentes duplos de complexação. O bis(triazeno) (4) mostrou-se capaz de complexar o íon cobre(I) formando um complexo binuclear (5). O mesmo ligante, ainda, originou complexos binucleares de cobre(II), através do efeito quelato e macrocíclico, formando dois tipos de estruturas cristalinas, uma não-centrossimétrica (6) e outra centrossimétrica (7). O pró-ligante bis(triazeno) macrocíclico (8) apresenta uma cavidade com tamanho ideal para a complexação de metais de transição, originando, por exemplo, o complexo (9) com o cátion níquel(II). O ligante neste complexo apresenta substituintes em posição para e estes subtituintes, adicionados às moléculas de piridina que completam a esfera de coordenação do metal e às moléculas de piridina como solvato de cristalização, formam o arranjo supramolecular, através de interações eletrostáticas fracas. O pró-ligante bis(triazeno) macrocíclico (10) apresenta uma cavidade central maior que o pró-ligante bis(triazeno) macrocíclico (8), possibilitando a complexação de moléculas ou cátions maiores. A difração de raios-x em monocristal de (10) revelou a presença de moléculas de água desordenadas no interior da cavidade, formando uma cadeia perpendicular às moléculas empacotadas do pró-ligante macrocíclico. Quando o composto (10) é desprotonado com base fraca, como piridina, a desprotonação ocorre de maneira parcial, originando um complexo binuclear de cobre(II) unido por pontes μ2-OH (11), onde duas moléculas de ligante coordenam os dois íons cobre(II) e a esfera de coordenação quadrática é completada por duas moléculas de piridina axiais. Quando o composto (10) é desprotonado com base forte, como etóxido de sódio ou potássio, a desprotonação ocorre de maneira total, originando um complexo binuclear de cobre(II) unido por pontes μ2-OCH2CH3 (12), onde uma molécula de ligante coordena os dois íons cobre(II) e a esfera de coordenação quadrática também é completada por duas moléculas de piridina axiais. A síntese de mais representantes da nova classe de triazenos macrocíclicos foi realizada com sucesso neste trabalho, bem como a síntese de complexos, envolvendo triazenidos macrocíclicos. A caracterização de suas estruturas e arranjos supramoleculares foi realizada através de difração de raios-x em monocristal e outros métodos secundários.

Cette thèse porte sur l'élaboration de nanoparticules (NPs) à luminescence persistante pour l'imagerie optique dans le domaine du rouge profond et du proche infrarouge. Leur utilisation présente un avantage indéniable, l'étape d'irradiation pour obtenir l'état excité pouvant être réalisée avant injection, il est possible d'éviter tout stress des tissus et autres phénomènes d'autofluorescence. Dans les compositions chimiques étudiées, elles sont par ailleurs ré-excitables in vivo. Nous présentons une synthèse originale pour l'élaboration de " petites " NPs de ZnGa2O4 :Cr3+ par voie hydrothermale assistée par chauffage micro-onde qui peut être suivi d'un traitement thermique. Les caractérisations avancées des propriétés de luminescence persistante et la structure fine du matériau a montré une corrélation directe entre la luminescence et l'ordre local des cations dans la structure (répartition et distorsion des sites cationiques). Ainsi, nous avons montré l'effet bénéfique d'une calcination sans frittage sur l'amélioration des propriétés de luminescence. Nous avons également mis en évidence le gain apporté par l'ajout d'un codopant comme l'ion Bi3+ ou la modification de la matrice avec la substitution d'une partie des ions Ga3+ par des ions Ge4+. Les limites d'optimisation de ce matériau étant atteinte, une toute nouvelle voie a été ouverte dans cette thématique en dopant la matrice avec des ions Ni2+ pour déplacer la luminescence persistante dans le domaine du proche infrarouge. L'exploitation de cette nouvelle fenêtre pour l'imagerie optique devrait permettre d'imager plus profond dans les tissus avec un meilleur rapport signal/bruit. / This thesis aims to develop persistent luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) for optical imaging in the deep red and near infrared range. Their use has a clear advantage as the irradiation step can be performed before injection, avoiding tissue stress and other autofluorescence phenomena. The chemical compositions studied are also re-excitable in vivo. We propose an original way of synthesis for the elaboration of “small” ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ NPs. Hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwave heating followed by a heat treatment is used to obtain the NPs. The extensive characterization of the persistent luminescence properties and of the material’s fine structure showed a direct correlation between luminescence and local cation order in the structure (distribution and distortion of cationic sites). Thus, we have shown the benefits of a heat treatment without sintering on the improvement of luminescence properties. We have also highlighted the enhancement provided by the addition of a codopant such as Bi3+ ions or the modification of the matrix by substituting a part of Ga3+ ions by Ge4+ ions. The optimization limits of this material being reached, doping the matrix with Ni2+ ions to move the persistent luminescence in the near infrared range, opens a new pathway in this research field. Exploiting this new window for optical imaging should allow imaging deeper into tissue with a better signal-to-noise ratio.

The advent of transition metal catalysis has greatly expanded the scope of viable cycloaddition reactions, allowing for the direct synthesis of highly functionalized and complex biologically active compounds. By manipulating various aspects of catalyst structure, including the supporting ligands and the central metal, the function of a catalyst can be modified. In this context, the catalytic properties of dinuclear complexes have not been greatly explored in cycloaddition reactions. Our research has focused on studying the catalytic properties of dinuclear complexes in cycloaddition reactions. Comparative studies between dinuclear and mononuclear Ni-complexes led us to discover and develop an efficient route to synthesize 1,2,4-trisubstituted benzene derivatives from terminal alkynes. The key organometallic intermediates in this process were isolated, and computational studies were performed to unravel a novel bimetallic mechanism for alkyne cyclotrimerizations. As an extension of this study, we have found that the dinuclear catalyst is capable of catalyzing the methylenecyclopropanation of olefins. The reaction uses 1,1-dichloroalkene as a vinylidene precursor along with Zn as a stoichiometric reductant. A wide range of monosubstituted terminal alkenes and relatively unhindered internal alkenes are viable substrates. Furthermore, to understand the mechanism of vinylidene transfer, various stoichiometric and stereochemical experiments were performed. Furthermore, we discovered that mononuclear and dinuclear Ni-complexes are highly efficient in achieving vinylidene insertions into Si–H bonds to synthesize Si-containing heterocyclic molecules. Ongoing efforts are directed toward optimizing the reaction conditions and elucidating the substrate scope of the reaction.

Les propriétés physiques d’un matériau sont intimement liées à sa structure cristalline et dans le cas d’ions dopants aux sites qu’ils occupent. La première partie de ce travail est dédiée au matériau diphosphate de sodium et de zinc Na2ZnP2O7, cristallisé out vitreux et ceci pour les ions dopants Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ et Eu3+. Les phases cristallisées ont été obtenues par la méthode Czochralski, les verres par trempe à partir de l’état fondu. Un ensemble de caractéristiques physiques ont été mises en jeu (Raman, infrarouge, RPE, absorption optique, luminescence) pour déterminer les sites occupés par les ions dopants et l’influence sur les propriétés optiques. La deuxième partie de cet travail consiste à une meilleure connaissance des matériaux diélectriques sans plomb appartenant à la famille pérovskite et plus particulièrement à la solution solide NaNbO3-BaTiO3. Des monocistaux ont été obtenus par la méthode des flux et caractérisés en utilisant plusieurs techniques : diffraction X, microanalyse, évolution thermique des domaines ferroélectriques-ferroélastiques, mesures diélectriques, piézoélectriques et pyroélectriques. / Abstract The physical properties of a material are intimately related to its crystalline structure and in the case of doped ions they are dependent on to the sites they occupy. The first part of this work is dedicated to the diphosphate material of sodium and zinc Na2ZnP2O7, glassy and crystallized for doped ions of Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and Eu3+. The crystallized phases were obtained by the Czochralski method whereas the glasses were obtained by quenching from the molten state. A set of physical characteristics were studied (Raman, infrared, EPR, optical absorption, luminescence) to determine the sites occupied by the doped ions and its influence on the optical properties. The second part of this work consists of a better knowledge of lead-free dielectric materials belonging to the family of Perovskite, more particularly to NaNbO3-BaTiO3 solid solution. Single crystals were obtained by the flux method and were characterized using several techniques: X-rays diffraction, microanalysis, thermal evolution of ferroelectric and ferroelastic domains; dielectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric measurements.