Abstract
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was used as an adsorbent for the removal of toluene in its gas phase at different relative humidity (RH). High-purity ZIF-8 with an average particle size of 0.64 µm synthesized from an aqueous solution at room temperature, and then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Dynamic adsorption (continuous mode) experiments of toluene on ZIF-8 were studied using breakthrough curves. The effects of thermal pretreatment (activation) under dry air and N2 atmospheres on the adsorbent performances was studied. ZIF-8 activated at 300 °C for 3 h under dry air showed the highest adsorption capacity of 562.17 mg∙g−1. Furthermore, it was observed that the adsorption of toluene on ZIF-8 was significantly decreased at 80% RH. The experimental data of dynamic adsorption well fitted into the Thomas and Yan mathematical models.
Highlights
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a wide array of hydrocarbon-based gases and vapors that are known as one of the major contributors to air pollution
Zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs)-8The which is in very good agreement with with previously-reported adsorption bands for Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) at 3135
ZIF-8 was synthesized from aqueous solution, and should be considered as a facile and environmentally-friendly method
Summary
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a wide array of hydrocarbon-based gases and vapors that are known as one of the major contributors to air pollution. Many negative impacts of VOCs on human health and the environment, such as their contribution to the depletion of the ozone layer, photochemical ozone formation in the tropospheric layer, global greenhouse effect, and contribution to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ), have been reported [3,4]. Some VOCs are known carcinogenic, mutagenic, and neurotoxic chemicals [5]. Due to the negative effects of VOCs on humans and the environment, and the fact that their concentration in the atmosphere is increasing (e.g., as a result of industrialization), environmental regulations aim to control and decrease the emission of VOCs into the environment.
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