To my beloved parents and Fabi, This thesis is dedicated to you, with immeasurable gratitude and profound love. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifice have been the bedrock upon which my academic journey has been built. Your faith in me, even during my moments of doubt, has been a constant source of inspiration. Your sacrifice has allowed me to pursue my dreams with unrelenting determination. I am eternally grateful for it.This thesis stands as a testament to the love and support you have generously bestowed upon me. It is a reflection of the values and principles you instilled in me, and a tribute to the incredible parents who have always believed in my potential, even when I haven't myself.With all my heart, I dedicate this thesis to you, my pillars of strength, my mentors, and my greatest supporters. Thank you for being the wind beneath my wings, propelling me toward academic achievement and personal growth.With deepest love and gratitude, Valentina viii I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been instrumental in the successful completion of my master journey. Without your support, guidance, and encouragement, this accomplishment would not have been possible.First and foremost, I extend my sincere appreciation to my advisor Colombo, whose unwavering dedication, expertise, and invaluable insights have been the cornerstone of this research. Your mentorship has not only enriched my academic experience but also inspired me to push the boundaries of knowledge.I am deeply indebted to the entire IGc -Geoscience Institute and IEE -Energy and Environment Institute for fostering an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured my research endeavors. The collaborative spirit and resources provided by the institutes played a fundamental role in shaping the outcome of this thesis.My gratitude extends across borders to my friends from another life, you have been a source of camaraderie, support, and moments of respite throughout this journey. Your presence, both in the academic and personal spheres, has made this experience all the more enriching.To my friends in Brazil, o meu bloquinho de meninas, who have offered friendship, cultural exchange, unwavering encouragement and warm hugs. Your diverse perspectives and love have broadened my horizons and enriched my life.Lastly, I would like to acknowledge all the individuals, institutions, and resources that have contributed to this thesis as well: The amazing technical support from Samuca from LTA laboratory, the Scanning electron microscopy laboratory, in charge of Eng. Isaac, the X-ray fluorescence laboratory and help of tec. José Paulo Sertek and the Optical microscopy laboratories of the IGc.