A series of tetrakis-β-diketonate Q+[Ln(β-dik)4]–, where Ln = GdIII or EuIII, Q = ammonium cations and β-dik = tta (2-thenoyltrifluoracetone) or bmdm (1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione) have been synthesized and characterized. The environment surrounding the EuIII ion depends on the lateral groups of the ligand and on the alkyl chains of the counter ion Q. The shortest lifetime (τ) = 0.29 ms, and lowest quantum efficiencies (η) = 24%, were obtained for (N(C12H25)2(CH3)2)+[Eu(bmdm)4]–, while (N(C4H9)4)+[Eu(bmdm)4]– has the longest τ = 1.04 ms and η = 90%. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω2 and Ω4) strongly changes for tta series pointing to stronger ion-dipole interactions between the –CF3 group with the ammonium cations. The agreement between the experimental results of photoluminescence and theoretical data suggests that the geometries optimized by the Sparkle model are correct. These results point to potential candidates for building up Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) luminescent films, since it is possible to maximize the intermolecular interactions and the photoluminescent properties of tetrakis LnIII complexes.

The effects of chloride and nitrate anions and their respective concentrations, as well as urea presence, on solid phase morphologies were investigated. Zinc hydroxide carbonate was prepared by aging diluted zinc salt solution in presence of urea at 90ºC. Samples were identified by X-ray powder diffractograms showing the characteristic patterns of hydrozincite. The crystallinity was correlated with the concentrations of reagents. Spherulitic-type aggregates and single acicular particles were obtained from diluted chloride and nitrate solutions while porous aggregates of uniform size were formed from solutions with high chloride and urea concentrations.

Nanoparticles of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) were obtained by coprecipitation. The particles were prepared by hydrolysis in acid medium with addition of ammonia or urea, for homogeneous nucleation, at 90ºC. Different compositions and spherical morphologies were achieved by changing reactants concentrations and precipitation agent. X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis and electrophoretic mobility were carried out on these particles to investigate the obtained phase, phase transition temperature, morphology, particle size and zeta potential, respectively.

Domestic microwave oven was modified for laboratory applications. Electronic system was made for controlling magnetron irradiation time. Exhaustion and air circulation systems were installed to clean the internal oven atmosphere during operation. The cavity walls were coated with aluminized thermal paint to avoid chemical corrosion. These modifications allowed the usage of the oven for drying and processes using reflux.