MOFs (METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS): A FASCINATING CLASS OF POROUS INORGANIC MATERIALS. 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 CO 2 , storage of H 2 and CH 4 as well potable water capture.

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The present work seeks to describe a new approach characterized by copper(II) aspirinate complex deposited onto nanotube TiO 2 electrodes as mediator of electron transfer during nitrite reduction, aiming at achieving a faster removal of nitrite to nitrogen species oxides. Thin films of copper aspirinate ([Cu 2 (asp) 4 ]) on the Ti/TiO 2 nanotube surface are easily obtained following multi-scans (100 cycles) recorded for the Ti/TiO 2 electrode in 0.1 mol L −1 NaCl, pH 4, containing 5.0 × 10 −4 mol L −1 of the copper coordination compound. The complex showed high adherence while the cyclic voltammograms presented redox peaks at −0.15/+ 0.15 V, which was attributed to the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). Following 5 min of treatment using photoelectrocatalysis on Ti/TiO 2-[(Cu) 2 Asp 4 ] electrode, a total removal of nitrite was observed, which was found to be at least four times faster compared to Ti/ TiO 2 electrode. Concomitantly, we also observed a relatively good conversion to nitrogen-containing gaseous species (56 %) besides the formation of 42 % of ammonia. The results, in effect, also indicate that nitrate and nitrite are not detectable in the treated solution up to levels of 0.5 mg L −1. The method under consideration has successfully accounted for the maximum limit of nitrite recommended in drinking water which has been set to 1 mg L −1 .