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Over the past few decades, inorganic nanostructured materials have elicited a lot of interest due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and many size dependent properties which stem from their nanoscale dimensions. Owing to these distinct properties, they have found applications in widespread fields like catalysis, energy storage, electronics, and biotechnology. In the field of biotechnology, nanotubes and mesoporous materials are attractive vehicles for drug delivery because of their hollow and porous structures and facile surface functionalization. Their inner void can take up large amounts of drug as well as act as gates for the controlled release of drug. These hollow structures can also be used for confining biomolecules like proteins and peptides. The study on protein conformation in biocompatible materials is very important in materials sciences for the development of new and efficient biomaterials(sensors, drug delivery systems or planted devices). Titania(TiO2)has been widely explored for applications in photovoltaic cells, batteries, desalination, sensing, and photocatalysis, to name only a few. The work presented in this thesis focuses on titania based nanostructures for drug delivery and protein confinement. First part of the work focusses on synthesis and characterization of Fe-doped TiO2 nanotubes. Fe-doped TiO2 nanotubes were demonstrated as controlled drug delivery agents. In vitro cytotoxic effects of Fe-doped titania nanotubes were assessed by MTT assay by exposing Hela cell line to the nanotubes. Second part of the work focusses on synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanotubes by two synthesis procedures, namely hydrothermal and sol-gel template synthesis. Myoglobin, a model globin protein was encapsulated in hydrothermally synthesized TiO 2 nanotubes(diameter 5 nm) and sol-gel template synthesized TiO2 nanotubes(diameter 200 nm). Effect of encapsulating myoglobin these nanotubes was studied. The electrochemical activity and structure of myoglobin were studied by cyclic voltammetry and circular dichroism respectively. Direct electron transfer was found to be enhanced upon confinement in 200 nm diameter nanotubes. No such enhancement was observed upon encapsulation in hydrothermally synthesized nanotubes. In addition to this, the thermal stability of myoglobin was found to be enhanced upon confinement inside 200 nm diameter TiO 2 nanotubes.

Il est couramment admis que le niveau de pollution dans l'environnement intérieur pouvait dépasser le niveau de pollution extérieur. C’est la raison pour laquelle la qualité de l'air intérieur est devenue une préoccupation sociétale importante en raison de la durée croissante que nous passons dans ces environnements. Les procédés d'oxydation avancée (POA), parmi lesquels l'oxydation photocatalytique, sont des techniques pertinentes pour la purification de l'air. En photocatalyse, les nanotubes de titane montrent un intérêt tout particulier en raison de leurs propriétés intrinsèques spécifiques de par leurstructure tubulaire. Ce matériau unidimensionnel engendre un rapport surface/volume important qui donne accès à une surface spécifique et à des capacités d’adsorption importantes, mais aussi à des propriétés de transport électronique accrues. Deux molécules modèles gazeuses ont été retenues, la méthyléthylcétone (MEC) et le sulfure de dihydrogène (H2S). Ces molécules diffèrent de par leur composition chimique (présence ou non d’hétéroatomes) et leurs propriétés physico-chimiques et reflètent différentes catégories de pollutions chimiques et olfactives. Afin d’améliorer les performances photocatalytiques des nanotubes, de TiO2 synthétisés par méthode hydrothermale, que ce soit sous illumination UV-A ou solaire, des modifications avec un autre semi-conducteur WO3 ou ZnO ont été entreprises. Les mêmes modifications ont également été réalisées sur le photocatalyseur commercial TiO2 P25 (Evonik). Une des finalités de ce travail est la corrélation des conditions de synthèse de ces matériaux avec leurs caractéristiques physico-chimiques et avec leurs propriétés photocatalytiques vis-àvis de l’élimination des deux polluants étudiés. Une approche mécanistique a également été menée. / Indoor air quality has become an important social concern due to the increased amount of time spent in indoor environment. It is now well admitted that the pollution level in indoor environment could exceed the pollution level outdoor. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP), such as photocatalytic oxidation, are promising technologies for air purification. The synthesis and applications of high aspect ratio onedimensional titania-based nanostructures have attracted increasing attention. In photocatalysis, titania nanotubes have already shown enhanced photocatalytic efficiency over nanoparticles, enabled by highersurface area, tubular structure with higher charge carriers generation and transfer efficiency. However, together with visible light activation, higher efficiency is a challenging task. The fundamental challenges are to develop controlled and self-assembled 1D-TiO2-based nanostructures for improving the light absorption, generation and transfer of electrons and specific surface area. In this thesis, two model gas molecules were used, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and dihydrogen sulfide (H2S). These molecules differ in their chemical composition (presence or absence of heteroatoms) and their physico-chemical properties and reflect different types of chemical and odor pollutions. In order to improve the photocatalyticperformance of TiO2 nanotubes synthesized by the hydrothermal method, either under UV-A or solar illumination, modifications with another semiconductor, WO3 or ZnO, were made. The same modifications were also made on the commercial photocatalyst TiO2 P25 (Evonik). One of the aims of this study is the correlation of synthesis conditions of these materials with their physico-chemical properties and their photocatalytic properties regarding the elimination of the two pollutants studied. A mechanistic approach was also conducted.

An effective electrochemical sensor for myoglobin (Myb) detection was developed using a simple procedure of denaturing the protein with guanidine hydrochloride and detecting the released heme group by cyclic voltammetry. The concentration of denaturant was optimized to obtain maximum current response for the analyte (Myb). To improve the sensitivity of the sensor, the working electrode, glassy carbon electrode was modified with a layer of Titania nanotubes (TNT). The direct electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode (TNT-GCE) was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The performance of the sensor was investigated and optimized and the system was evaluated by monitoring the Myb concentration. Despite the reduced current response for the modified electrode compared to bare GCE, the sensitivity of the system was improved significantly by overcoming the large background current due to denaturant. The developed TNT modified electrode improved the detection limit of Myb and showed good stability, sensitivity and reproducibility. Under optimal conditions, the catalytic currents are linearly proportional to the concentrations of Myb in the wide range from 50 nM to 6 M. This approach provides improved sensitivity in the given range, and may provide a novel and efficient platform for the fabrication of sensors for other heme proteins.

Des nanotubes de dioxyde de titane (TiO2nts) sont étudiés comme électrodes négatives potentielles pour des microbatteries Li-ion 3D. Ces TiO2nts lisses et hautement auto-organisés sont élaborés par anodisation du Ti dans des électrolytes organiques à base de glycérol ou d'éthylène glycol contenant des ions fluor et de l'eau en faible quantité. Les structures présentant un diamètre de 100 nm et une longueur variant de 1,5 à 14 µm sont particulièrement appropriés pour l'application visée. Les TiO2nts ont été tapissés de manière conforme par un électrolyte polymère (PMA-PEG) comportant un sel de lithium (LiTFSI) grâce à la technique d'électropolymérisation. Les études morphologiques menées par SEM et TEM ont montré que les nanotubes sont entièrement recouverts d'un film mince polymère de 10 nm d'épaisseur, ce qui permet de préserver la structure 3D de l'électrode. Les tests électrochimiques portant sur les nanotubes seuls ainsi que sur les TiO2nts tapissés d'électrolyte polymère ont été effectués en demi-cellule et en cellule complète en utilisant un électrolyte polymère à base de MA-PEG contenant du LiTFSI. En demi-cellule, les TiO2nts de 1,5 µm de long delivrent une capacité surfacique de 22 µAh cm-2 relativement stable sur 100 cycles. La performance de la demi-cellule est améliorée de 45% à une cinétique de 1C lorsque les TiO2nts sont tapissés de manière conforme par un electrolyte polymère (PMA-PEG). Cet effet résulte d'un meilleur transport de charges lié à l'augmentation de la surface de contact entre l'électrode et l'électrolyte. / Titania nanotubes (TiO2nts) as potential negative electrode for 3D lithium-ion microbatteries have been reported. Smooth and highly-organized TiO2nts are fabricated by electrochemical anodization of Ti foil in glycerol or ethylene glycol electrolyte containing fluoride ions and small amount of water. As-formed TiO2nts shows the open tube diameter of 100 nm and the length from 1.5 to 14 µm which are suitable for the fabrication of the 3D microcbatteries. The deposition of PMA-PEG polymer electrolyte carrying LiTFSI salt into TiO2nts has been achieved by the electropolymerization reaction. The morphology studies by SEM and TEM reveal that the nanotubes are conformally coated with 10 nm of the polymer layer at the inner and outer walls from the bottom to the top without closing the tube opening. 1H NMR and SEC show that the electropolymerization leads to PMA-PEG that mainly consists of trimers. XPS confirms the presence of LiTFSI salt in the oligomers.The electrochemical studies of the as-formed TiO2nts and polymer-coated TiO2nts have been performed in the half-cells and full cells using MA-PEG gel electrolyte containing LiTFSI in Whatman paper as separator. The half-cell of TiO2nts (1.5 µm long) delivers a stable capacity of 22 µAh cm-2 over 100 cycles. The performance of the half-cell is improved by 45% at 1C when TiO2nts are conformally coated with the polymer electrolyte. The better performance results from the increased contact area between electrode and electrolyte, thereby improving the charge transport.

Ion implantation of titania nanotubes is a highly versatile approach for tailoring structural and electrical properties. While recently self-organized nanoscale compositional patterning has been reported, the atomistic foundations and impact on electronic structure are not established at this point. To study these aspects, ab initio molecular dynamic simulations based on atomic compositions in C implanted titania nanotubes according to elastic recoil detection analysis are employed. Consistent with experimental data, carbon accumulates in chainlike precipitates, which are favorable for enhancing conductivity, as revealed by density-functional theory electronic ground states calculations are demonstrated.

Le travail présenté dans ce mémoire avait pour but d’étudier le potentiel de nouvelles sondes fluorescentes pour la mise au point d’agents d’imagerie optique et d’imagerie Cherenkov inédits. Le premier chapitre porte sur la synthèse de subphtalocyanines et phtalocyanines fluorescentes possédant des fonctions chimiques qui confèrent à la molécule des propriétés adaptées à une application en imagerie médicale. Les composés obtenus ont été étudiés pour déterminer s’ils possèdent les propriétés requises pour l’application visée, en considération du cahier des charges propre aux fluorophores. Dans un deuxième temps, certaines sondes fonctionnelles préparées ont été utilisées pour créer des agents d’imagerie inédits. Dans le cas des subphtalocyanines, la biovectorisation a été explorée par association directe de la sonde avec un peptide, ou indirecte grace à un liposome encapsulant la sonde. Dans le cas des phtalocyanines, les sondes fonctionnelles ont été engagées dans la préparation de nanohybrides constitués de nanoparticules d’oxyde de fer ou de nanotubes d’oxyde de titane, afin d’obtenir des agents bimodaux ou théranostiques. Le troisième chapitre présente l’étude du phénomène de transfert d’énergie (CRET) entre des radioéléments émetteurs Cherenkov et des fluorophores organiques a été étudié. La détermination des paramètres de transfert optimaux a ensuite guidé la mise au point d’une sonde CRET composée d’un fragment fluorescéine lié covalentement à un complexe d’yttrium-90. Pour finir, la possibilité d’émettre dans la fenêtre du proche infrarouge a été explorée par multi-transfert de type CRETFRET. / The goal of this work was to prepare and study new fluorescent probes, which could give rise to novel optical or Cherenkov imaging agents. The first section of this work describes the synthesis of fluorescent subphthalocyanines and phthalocyanines probes, which possess relevant chemicals groups suitable for optical imaging applications. The optical and physico-chemical properties of the new probes were carefully examined to ensure they comply with the specification of the fluorophores for the desired application. The second part focused on the subsequent development of a few selected probes into real imaging agents. The biovectorisation of subphtalocyanines was achieved upon conjugation of a peptide either with the probe or with a liposome that encapsulate the probe. Phthalocyanine-based functional probes were engaged in the synthesis of nanohybrides made of iron oxide nanoparticles or titania nanotubes, to afford bimodal or theranostic agents. In a final part, the energy transfer phenomenon (CRET) between Cherenkov emitting radionuclides and organic fluorophores was studied. The optimal transfer parameters were considered to prepare a CRET probe made of a fluorescein moiety covalently attached to an Yttrium-90 complex. Finally, the ability to emit in the near infrared window was explored by multi-CRET-FRET transfer.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) have attracted considerable scientific and industrial interest during the past decade as an economically feasible alternative to conventional photovoltaic devices. DSCs have the potential to be as efficient as silicon solar cells, but at a fraction of the cost of silicon solar cells. The unique advantage of DSC compared to conventional solar cells is that the light absorption, electron transport and hole transport are handled by different components which reduces the chance of recombination. In the present work, to facilitate DSC with good energy conversion efficiency, its performance have been evaluated as a function of titania layer morphology, redox couple concentration and the catalytic layer on the counter electrode. The results that are obtained in the present investigations have been organized as follows Chapter 1 gives a brief exposure to DSC technology. Special emphasize has been on the structure and individual components of the DSC. Chapter 2 describes various experimental techniques that are employed to fabricate and characterize DSCs under study. Chapter 3 presents a systematic study of the characteristics of DSC made of three different types of electrodes namely: TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) which have excellent electron transport properties, TiO2 microspheres (TMS) which possess high surface area and light scattering ability and TiO2 nano particles (TNP) possessing high surface area. The electronic, morphological, optical and surface properties of individual electrodes are studied. The highest efficiency of 8.03% is obtained for DSCs prepared with TMS electrodes. A higher value of effective diffusion coefficient (Deff) and diffusion length (Ln) of electrons as obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis confirms a high charge collection efficiency in microsphere based cell. Chapter 4 gives a detailed study of DSCs fabricated with a tri-layer photo anode with TNTs as light scattering layer. The tri-layer structure has given an enhanced efficiency of 7.15% which is 16% higher than TNP based cell and 40% higher than TNT based cells. Chapter 5 deals with the investigations on the effect of concentration of redox couple on the photovoltaic properties of DSC for different ratios of [I2] to [LiI] (1:2, 1:5 and 1:10) with five viii concentrations of I2 namely 0.01 M, 0.03 M, 0.05 M, 0.08 M and 0.1M in acetonitrile. It is found that the open circuit potential (Voc) decreases with increase in the ratio of redox couple whereas short circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF) increase. The reason for the decline in Voc is the higher recombination between electrons in the conduction band of TiO2 and the I3- ions present in the electrolyte, induced by the absorptive Li+ ions. In addition using EIS it is found that the τ improves with the increase in [LiI] at a particular [I2], whereas at a fixed [I2]/ [LiI] ratio the increase in [I2] is found to reduce the τ and Deff due to the enhanced recombination. Chapter 6 describes the application of carbon based counter electrode (CE) materials for DSCs. Two counter electrode materials have been investigated namely (1) Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) synthesized by pyrolysis method and (2) Platinum decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pt/MWCNT) prepared by chemical reduction of platinum precursors. Using Pt/MWCNT composite electrode the DSC achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 6.5 %. From the analysis on symmetric cells, it is found that electro catalytic activity of Pt/MWCNT CE is similar to that of platinum CE, though the platinum loading is very less for the former. This is attributed to the effective utilization of catalyst owing to high surface area arising from the increased surface roughness. Chapter 7 discusses the application of titanium foil in place of glass substrate for the photo anode. The titanium foil offers fabrication of flexible DSC. The performance of DSC with TMS layers and aligned titania nanotube arrays (TNA) prepared by anodization method is studied. Compared to TMS based cell, TNA has given a better efficiency at a lower thickness. Chapter 8 presents the scheme used to seal DSCs and its stability analysis. We have employed the usual hot melt sealing for edge whereas hole sealing is carried out with tooth pick and a UV curable adhesive. The degradation in efficiency is found to be 20% for low efficiency cells whereas, for high efficiency cells it is found to be 45% after 45 days. The leakage of highly volatile acetonitrile through the edge and hole is found to be responsible for the reduction in the performance of the device. Hence a high temperature sealing method is proposed to fabricate stable cells. Chapter 9 gives summary and conclusions of the present work