Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are, according to IUPAC, coordination polymers with an open framework containing potential voids, which can be accessible after activation processes. These materials have aroused interest in the academic environment – and more recently in industry - because their properties such as high crystallinity, permanent microporosity, high surface areas, and the possibility of functionalization. This has enabled applications in different areas, such as gas adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, photonics and others. Depending on the judicious choice of the metals and the organic linkers, MOFs with different topologies and functions can be created. Synthetic routes for the preparation of these materials will be discussed, highlighting those in consonance with the Green Inorganic Chemistry. Strategies for controlling the size and morphology of the crystals will also be presented, as well the most recent methodologies for the large-scale production. This review will also discuss the use of MOFs in the context of energy and environment, particularly referring to the adsorption and/or transformation of CO2, storage of H2 and CH4 as well potable water capture.

This article refers about a green method for the preparation of gold nanoparticles using juice from four types of lemon (Tahiti, Key lime, Sicilian and Rangpur). The approach is based on a classic synthesis of nanoparticles using sodium citrate as reducing agent, since all these lemon varieties have citric acid in their compositions. Several characterization techniques demonstrated the efficacy of the method for obtaining red colloidal solutions (nanoparticles in the order of 5-25 nm). The importance of this attempt to make environmentally friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles is linked to the several applications of these nanomaterials, the most important being biomedicine, catalysis, electronics, biochemical sensing and imaging.