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Yes / To develop high deterioration resistance concrete for marine infrastructures, two types of nano TiO2 (NT) including anatase phase NT and silica surface-treated rutile phase NT were incorporated into concrete. The fabricated NT modified concrete was then put into the marine environment for 21 months in this study. The effects and mechanisms of two types of NT on the deterioration of concrete in the marine environment were investigated from three aspects, including seawater physical and biological and chemical actions on concrete with NT. Under the seawater physical action, the exposed degree of coarse sand particles on the surface of control concrete is greater than that of concrete with NT. Owing to the microorganism biodegradation property of NT, the elimination and inhibition rates of concrete with NT on microorganisms can reach up to 76.98% and 96.81%, respectively. In addition, the surface biofilm thickness of concrete can be reduced by 49.13% due to the inclusion of NT. In the aspect of seawater chemical action, NT can increase the pH value inside concrete by 0.81, increase the degree of polymerization of C-S-H gel, and improve the interfacial transition zone between cement paste and aggregate in concrete. Compared to concrete with anatase phase NT, silica surface-treated rutile phase NT is more effective in improving the deterioration resistance of concrete in the marine environment. It can be concluded that incorporating NT can inhibit the deterioration of concrete in the marine environment.

The advancement of quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) technology depends on optimizing directional charge transfer between light absorbing quantum dots, TiO2, and a redox mediator. Kinetically, reduction of oxidized quantum dots by the redox mediator should be rapid and faster than the back electron transfer between TiO2 and oxidized quantum dots to maintain photocurrent. Thermodynamically, the reduction potential of the redox mediator should be sufficiently positive to provide high photovoltages. To satisfy both criteria and enhance power conversion efficiencies, we introduced charge transfer spin-crossover MnII/III complexes as promising redox mediator alternatives in QDSSCs. High photovoltages ~ 1 V were achieved by a series of Mn poly(pyrazolyl)borates, with reduction potentials ~0.51 V vs Ag/AgCl. Back electron transfer rates were slower than Co(bpy)3, where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine. This is indicative of a large barrier to recombination imposed by spin-crossover in these complexes. By capitalizing on these characteristics, efficient MnII/III-based QDSSCs can be achieved with more soluble Mn-complexes. In hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells (HBHJs), light-absorbing conjugated polymers are interfaced with films of nanostructured TiO2. Photovoltaic action requires photoelectrons in the polymer to transfer into the TiO2, and therefore, polymers are designed with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels higher in energy than the conduction band of TiO2 for thermodynamically favorable electron transfer. Currently, the energy level values used to guide solar cell design are referenced from the separated materials, neglecting the fact that upon heterojunction formation material energetics are altered. With spectroelectrochemistry, we discovered that spontaneous charge transfer occurs upon heterojunction formation between poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and TiO2. It was determined that deep trap states in TiO2 accept electrons from P3HT and form hole polarons in the polymer. This equilibrium charge separation alters energetics through the formation of interfacial dipoles and results in band bending that inhibits desired photoelectron injection into TiO2, limiting HBHJ solar cell performance. New guidelines for improved photocurrent are proposed by tuning the energetics of the heterojunction to reverse the direction of the interfacial dipole, enhancing photoelectron injection. / Master of Science

No / Nanotechnology has preceded nanotoxicology and little is known of the effects of nanoparticles in human systems, let alone in diseased individuals. Therefore, the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with respiratory diseases [lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma] were compared with those in healthy Individuals, to determine differences in sensitivity to nanochemical insult. The Comet assay was performed according to recommended guidelines. The micronucleus assay and ras oncoprotein detection were conducted according to published standard methods. The results showed statistically significant concentration-dependent genotoxic effects of TiO2 NPs in both respiratory patient and control groups in the Comet assay. The TiO2 NPs caused DNA damage in a concentration dependent manner in both groups (respiratory and healthy controls) with the exception of the lowest TiO2 concentration (10 µg/ml) which did not induce significant damage in healthy controls (ns). When OTM data were used to compare the whole patient group and the control group, the patient group had more DNA damage (p > 0.001) with the exception of 10 µg/ml of TiO2 that caused less significant damage to patient lymphocytes (p < 0.05). Similarly, there was an increase in the pattern of cytogenetic damage measured in the MN assay without statistical significance except when compared to the negative control of healthy individuals. Furthermore, when modulation of ras p21 expression was investigated, regardless of TiO2 treatment, only lung cancer and COPD patients expressed measurable ras p21 levels. All results were achieved in the absence of cytotoxicity.

The combined electronic, optic and magnetic properties of transition metal (TM) implanted ferromagnetic TiO2 is of interest for spintronic applications. The nature of the observed abundant ferromagnetism in such materials has been investigated for more than one and a half decades, yet still no clear explanation for its appearance can be given. In this thesis, the origin of the ferromagnetic order in TM:TiO2 systems is studied by investigating the interplay between structural order, defects and incorporation of implanted ions within the host lattice. The defect properties of the host TiO2 are altered by preparing different microstructures of TiO2 (e.g. amorphous, polycrystalline anatase and epitaxial anatase). The difference in microstructure is also found to influence the incorporation of the implanted ions with the host lattice. The crystallographic incorporation of the implanted TM atoms is found only in crystalline films. Moreover, it is observed that the suppression of the dopant related secondary phases can also be achieved by changing the microstructure. The obtained experimental results are compared with the existing theoretical frameworks, while the most relevant one describing our findings is elucidated. Based on this discussion, we propose an ideal microstructural candidate for a dilute magnetic oxide material based on our results. / Die kombinierten elektrischen, optischen und ferromagnetischen Eigenschaften von TiO2, welches mit einem Übergangsmetall (TM) dotiert wurde, sind für Anwendungen in der Spintronik von hoher Bedeutung. Obwohl dieses Material seit mehr als anderthalb Jahrzehnten untersucht wird, kann derzeit noch keine eindeutige Erklärung für den beobachteten Ferromagnetismus gegeben werden. In dieser Arbeit wird die Ursache für die ferromagnetische Ordnung in TM:TiO2-Systemen untersucht, indem der Zusammenhang von struktureller Ordnung, Defekten und der Einlagerung der implantierten Ionen im Wirtsgitter analysiert wird. Durch die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Mikrostrukturen (z.B. amorphes, polykristalliner Anatas und epitaktischer Anatas) wurden auch die Defekteigenschaften des Wirts-Titanoxid variiert. Dabei zeigte sich ein Einfluss der unterschiedlichen Mikrostrukturen auf die Einlagerung der implantierten Atome in das Wirtsgitter. So konnte die Substitution von Ti-Atomen durch Atome des dotierten Übergangsmetalls nur in kristallinen Filmen beobachtet werden. Weiterhin wurde herausgefunden, dass die vom Dotanden hervorgerufenen Sekundärphasen durch die initiale Mikrostruktur unterdrückt werden können. Die experimentellen Ergebnisse wurden mit aktuellen Theorien verglichen. Zusammenfassend wird ein Überblick über die wichtigsten Ergebnisse gegeben, auf Basis welcher eine optimale Mikrostruktur für ein verdünntes magnetisches Oxid vorgeschlagen wird.

Le développement des dispositifs microélectroniques a dopé la recherche dans le domaine des microbatteries tout solide rechargeables. Mais actuellement, les performances de ces microbatteries élaborées par des technologies couche mince (2D) sont limitées et le passage à une géométrie 3D adoptant le concept “Li-ion” ou“rocking chair” est incontournable. Cette dernière condition implique de combiner des matériaux de cathode comme LiCoO2, LiMn2O4 or LiFePO4 avec des anodes pouvant réagir de manière réversible avec les ions lithium. Parmi tous les matériaux pouvant servir potentiellement d'anode, les nanotubes de TiO2 révèlent des propriétés intéressantes pour concevoir des microbatteries Li-ion 3D. Facilement réalisable, la nano-architecture auto-organisée a montré des résultats très prometteurs en termes de capacités à des cinétiques relativement modérées. L'utilisation des nanotubes de TiO2 en tant qu'anode conduit à des cellules présentant de faible autodéchargeet élimine le risque de surcharge grâce au haut potentiel de fonctionnement (1.72 V vs. Li+/Li). Dans ce travail de thèse, nous avons étudié la substitution des ions Ti4+ par Sn4+ et Fe2+ dans les nanotubes de TiO2. Bien que la présence d'ions Fe2+ n'ait pas amélioré les performances électrochimiques des nanotubes, nous avons pu mettre en évidence l'effet bénéfique des ions Sn4+. Nous avons aussi pu montré que la fabrication de matériaux composites à base de nanotubes de TiO2 et d'oxyde de métaux de transition électrodéposés se présentant sous forme de particules (NiO et Co3O4 ) augmentait les capacités d'un facteur 4. / The advent of modern microelectronic devices has necessitated the search for high-performance all-solid-state (rechargeable) microbatteries. So far, only lithium-based systems fulfill the voltage and energy density requirements of microbatteries. Presently, there is a need to move from 2D to 3D configurations, and also a necessity to adopt the “Li-ion” or the “rocking-chair” concept in designing these lithium-based (thin-film) microbatteries. This implies the combination of cathode materials such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4 or LiFePO4 with the wide range of possible anode materials that can react reversibly with lithium. Among all the potential anode materials, TiO2 nanotubes possess a spectacular characteristic for designing 3D Li-ion microbatteries. Besides the self-organized nano-architecture, TiO2 is non-toxic and inexpensive, and the nanotubes have been demonstrated to exhibit very good capacity retention particularly at moderate kinetic rates. The use of TiO2 as anode provides cells with low self-discharge and eliminates the risk of overcharging due to its higher operating voltage (ca. 1.72 V vs. Li+/Li). Moreover, their overall performance can be improved. Hence, TiO2 nanotubes and their derivatives were synthesized and characterized, and their electrochemical behaviour versus lithium was evaluated in lithium test cells. As a first step towards the fabrication of a 3D microbattery based on TiO2 nanotubes, electrodeposition of polymer electrolytes into the synthesized TiO2 nanotubes was also studied; the inter-phase morphology and the electrochemical behaviour of the resulting material were studied.

Les matériaux à base de dioxyde de titane (TiO2) sont des candidats prometteurs pour remplacer le graphite utilisé actuellement dans les électrodes négatives des batteries lithium-ion (LIB), du fait de leur sécurité élevée, de leur capacité volumétrique supérieure et de leurs excellentes performances à hautepuissance.Dans cette thèse, différentes approches de synthèse à bas coût sont évaluées pour préparer du TiO2 nanostructuré avec différentes compositions de phase et des morphologies variées. L'influence de ces paramètres sur la capacité de TiO2 à insérer réversiblement le lithium est étudiée par des mesures électrochimiques. À cet égard nous avons également étudié l'effet du dopage aliovalent et de la morphologie poreuse sur les propriétés d'insertion du TiO2, révélant des résultats encourageants avec notamment un transfert de charge amélioré, principale limitation des matériaux à base d'oxyde de titane. Afin de comprendre le processus de stockage du lithium des deux phases de TiO2 synthétisées, des méthodes de diffraction et de caractérisation spectroscopique ont été utilisées dans des conditions opérando.Nous montrons qu'indépendamment de leur similitude de composition chimique, les deux phases révèlent des mécanismes d'insertion du lithium très différents, menant à des propriétés électrochimiques de charge/décharge très différentes.Nous avons également amélioré les performances électrochimiques en travaillant sur la formulation d'électrodes à base de TiO2 nanostructuré, en optimisant le choix des composants (additif carboné, liant, électrolyte) et le processus de préparation. De nombreuses réactions parasites électrode-électrolyte ont été mises en évidence à travers cette étude, phénomènes très peu décrits dans la littérature à ce jour. / Titania based electrode materials are promising candidates to replace widely used graphite as negative electrode material in lithium ion batteries (LIB), due to their increased safety, volumetric capacity, and high rate performance.In this thesis different low-cost synthesis approaches are evaluated to prepare nanostructured TiO2 with various phase composition and morphology. The influence of these parameters on its ability to reversibly insert lithium are studied in electrochemical measurements. In this regard we also investigated the effect of aliovalent doping and porous structures on the insertion properties of two main polymorphs of TiO2, Anatase and TiO2(b), revealing encouraging results in overcoming the low charge transfer, which is the main drawback of titanium oxide based materials.In order to understand the mechanism of lithium storage process of the two synthesized TiO2 phases, diffraction and spectroscopic characterization methods were carried out under operando conditions. We show that, regardless of their chemical similarity, both phases reveal very different lithium insertion processes, leading to distinct electrochemical cycling properties.Another field of interest is the adaptation of electrode components to the nanostructured TiO2 active insertion material. The choice of binder, carbon additive, and electrolyte components can have significant impacts on the performance. Especially the origin and prevention of parasitic side reactions were in the focus of our work, as these pose an under estimated hindrance in the application of titania based electrode materials in LIB.

Filmes finos de dióxido de titânio (TiO2), ácido poli(vinil sulfônico) (PVS) e oxo-hidroxo de tungstênio (WOxHy) foram preparados a partir do método de automontagem Layer-by-Layer (LbL), permitindo um alto controle de espessura e nanoarquitetura. As propriedades de armazenamento e transporte de íons lítio foram investigadas visando à utilização destes materiais em baterias secundárias e dispositivos eletrocrômicos. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de microscopia de força atômica (AFM), voltametria cíclica, cronoamperometria, titulação galvanostática intermitente (GITT), espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE) e espectroscopia eletrônica. Os filmes apresentaram boa ciclabilidade e reversibilidade química nos processos de intercalação/desintercalação de íons lítio. Os filmes TiO2, TiO2/PVS e TiO2/WOxHy apresentaram carga reversível de 254 mC.cm-3, 260 mC.cm-3 e 296 mC.cm-3, respectivamente, e eficiência eletrocrômica de 30,9 cm2.C-1, 26,1 cm2.C-1 e 24,9 cm2.C-1, respectivamente, sob a incidência de radiação eletromagnética monocromática em 660 nm. Finalmente, valores do coeficiente de difusão de íons lítio foram determinados e relacionados com as capacidades específicas e com a velocidade da frente de onda colorida, a partir do modelo proposto neste trabalho. / Thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2), poly(vinyl sulfonic acid) (PVS) and tungsten oxo-hydroxy (WOxHy) were prepared using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) method, allowing for strict control of its thickness and nanoarchitecture. The properties of these films concerning lithium ion transport and storage were investigated, so that these materials can be applied in secondary batteries and electrochromic devices in the future. The films were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electronic spectroscopy. The films presented good chemical cyclability and reversibility regarding the Li+ insertion and deinsertion process. TiO2, TiO2/PVS, and TiO2/WOxHy films presented reversible charge about 254 mC.cm-3, 260 mC.cm-3, and 296 mC.cm-3, respectively, and coloration efficiency under 660 nm radiation of 30.9 cm2.C-1, 26.1 cm2.C-1, and 24.9 cm2.C-1, respectively. Finally, lithium ion diffusion coefficients can be determined and related with specific capacities and diffusion of coloring waves using the model proposed in this work.

As projeções mostram que o Brasil poderá consumir aproximadamente 50 bilhões de litros de biodiesel num futuro próximo. Frente a este cenário, surge a preocupação com tratamento de tamanha quantidade de efluente que pode ser gerado na produção do biodiesel. Os Processos Oxidativos Avançados (POAs) têm sido estudados como uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento de uma série de efluentes. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo tratar águas ácidas de lavagem geradas na produção de biodiesel com a fotocatálise heterogênea (TiO2/UV). Para tanto, elaborou-se um planejamento experimental, com a finalidade de se determinar os efeitos das variáveis independentes pH, temperatura e teor de TiO2. Em seguida, ajustou-se um modelo linear aos dados obtidos (R2 = 0,985). A condição ótima de tratamento foi: pH = 3,3; 20&deg;C; e 0,1 g TiO2 L-1. Foram observadas a remoção de DQO, DBO e COD, a redução do espectro de absorção no ultravioleta, a biodegradabilidade e ecotoxicidade. Tanto o processo fotocatalítico quanto a fotólise foram eficazes na degradação dos compostos presentes no efluente. Alcançou-se aproximadamente 80, 78 e 61% de remoção de DQO, DBO e COD, respectivamente, após 240 min de irradiação. O efluente fotocatalisado apresentou uma melhora marginal na biodegradabilidade. A fotólise não é indicada para o tratamento desse efluente por ter gerado ecotoxicidade a sementes de Lactuca sativa. / Projections show that Brazil may consume approximately 50 billion liters of biodiesel in the near future. In face of this scenario, the treatment of the huge amount of wastewaters that can be generated in the production of biodiesel is a worry. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have been studied as a promising alternative for treating several wastewaters. The present work is aimed at treating biodiesel washing acid waters with heterogeneous photocatalysis (TiO2/UV). For that purpose, an experimental design was performed to assess the effects of the independent variables pH, temperature, and TiO2 content. Next, a linear model was fit to the obtained data (R2 = 0,985). The optimum treatment condition was: pH = 3,3; 20&deg;C, and 0.1 g TiO2 L-1. The removal of COD, BOD, and DOC, the reduction of the ultraviolet absorption spectrum, biodegradability and ecotoxicity. Both photocatalysis and photolysis were effective in degrading the compounds present in the wastewater. Removals of approximately 80, 78, and 61% of COD, BOD, and DOC, respectively, were achieved after 240 min of irradiation. The photocatalyzed wastewater showed a marginal improvement in biodegradability. Photolysis is not indicated for treating this wastewater as ecotoxicity towards seeds of Lactuca sativa was generated.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo sintetizar eletrólitos híbridos de Nafion-TiO2 e eletrocatalisadores de PtSn/C para a aplicação em células a combustível de oxidação direta de etanol (DEFC) em alta temperatura (130oC). Para tanto, partículas de TiO2 foram incorporadas in-situ em membranas comerciais de Nafion via processo sol-gel. Os materiais resultantes foram caracterizados por análise gravimétrica, absorção de água, DSC, DRX e EDX. Eletrocatalisadores baseados em platina-estanho dispersos em carbono (PtSn/C), de diferentes composições, foram produzidos pelo método de redução por álcool e utilizados como eletrodos anódicos. Os eletrocatalisadores foram caracterizados por DRX, EDX, XPS e MET. A avaliação eletroquímica dos eletrocatalisadores foi realizada por voltametria cíclica, varredura linear anódica de monóxido de carbono (stripping de CO) e cronoamperometria. Ânodos de PtSn/C e cátodos de Pt/C comercial foram dispostos juntamente com os híbridos Nafion-TiO2 para a formação do conjuntos membrana-eletrodos. A avaliação final dos materiais foi realizada por meios de curvas de polarização em células unitárias alimentadas com misturas padrão H2/CO ou etanol no ânodo e com oxigênio no cátodo no intervalo de temperatura de 80 a 130oC. As análises demonstraram que o uso de membranas híbridas diminuiu o crossover de combustível, melhorando o desempenho da célula e que o eletrocatalisador PtSn/C 70:30, produzido pelo método de redução por álcool, foi o que demonstrou melhor desempenho para oxidação de etanol. / In this work, Nafion-TiO2 hybrid electrolytes and PtSn/C electrocatalysts were synthesized for the application in direct ethanol fuel cell operating at high temperature (130oC). For this purpose, TiO2 particles were incorporated in commercial Nafion membranes by an in situ sol gel route. The resulting materials were characterized by gravimetric analysis, water uptake, DSC, XRD and EDX. Electrocatalysts based on carbon dispersed platinum-tin (PtSn/C), with different composition, were produced by alcohol-reduction method and were employed as anodic electrode. The electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD, EDX, XPS and transmission electronic spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization was conducted by cyclic voltametry, carbon monoxide linear anodic voltammetry (CO stripping), and chronoamperometry. Membrane-electrodes assembly (MEAs) were formed with PtSn/C anodes, Pt/C cathodes and Nafion-TiO2 hybrids. The performance of these MEA was evaluated in single-cell fed with H2/CO mixture or ethanol solution at the anode and oxygen at the cathode in the temperature range of 80-130oC. The analysis showed that the hybrid membranes improved the DEFC performance due to crossover suppression and that PtSn/C 70:30 electrocatalysts, prepared by an alcohol reduction process, showed better performance in ethanol oxidation.