Adsorption efficacy of acetone with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks–8: a mechanistic and kinetic insight

The zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has been investigated for the dynamic adsorption of acetone from the gas phase. In this study, ZIF-8 was synthesised using a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method and characterised using SEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR. The synthesised ZIF-8 possessed a BET surface area of 1212 m2. g−1 and a 0.64 µm particle size. The dynamic adsorption efficacy of acetone on the thermally pretreated ZIF-8 was investigated in a gas matrix under different operational factors. Increasing the acetone concentration through the adsorbate inlet from 300 to 800 ppm enhanced the adsorption capacity from 114 to 162 mg. g−1, while increasing flow rates from 100 to 200 mL. min−1 diminished the adsorption capacity from 120 to 114 mg. g−1. Additionally, increasing the relative humidity from 30 to 70% diminished the adsorption capacity from 130 to 87 mg. g−1. The acetone adsorption kinetics on ZIF-8 were investigated by the Elovich equation, pseudo-first order (PFO), and pseudo-second order (PSO) models. The statistical parameters indicated that the Elovich equation model is most suitable for representing the kinetic behaviour. In conclusion, ZIF-8 could be introduced as a sorbent with suitable potential for adsorbing acetone from the air in various environmental and occupational settings.