The effect of adsorbent shaping on the equilibrium and kinetic CO2 adsorption properties of ZIF-8

To be used at scale, adsorbents must be shaped into macroscopic objects, e.g. pellets, granules, and monoliths. Shaping may involve various processing steps and additives that collectively contribute to the final equilibrium and kinetic sorption properties of the adsorbent. Understanding the fundamental links between these processing steps and the resulting sorption performance is needed to rationalise the design of shaped adsorbents. Our study aims to advance the state of knowledge in this area. By focusing on ZIF-8, a prototypical metal organic framework (MOF), and CO₂, a common small gas adsorbate, we compared a commercial binderless ZIF-8 extrudate and two purpose-made ZIF-8 pellets shaped with a blend of binders. We used analytical, spectroscopic, and imaging techniques to characterise the samples’ chemical, textural, and morphological properties. In addition, we collected equilibrium and kinetic CO₂ adsorption data at 283, 293, and 303 K and up to 1 bar. The binderless ZIF-8 extrudate exhibited a homogeneous structure with BET area, micro- and meso-porosity only slightly reduced compared to ZIF-8 powder. The ZIF-8 pellets also maintained the overall BET area of the ZIF-8 powder, but displayed enhanced macroporosity and skeletal density as well as reduced microporosity – features that likely result from the pressure-induced strains of pelletisation. The extrudates are much less mechanically robust than the pellets. All samples displayed CO₂ adsorption capacity in line with the CO₂ uptake of their respective components. The CO₂ kinetics measurements reveal clear distinctions between binderless ZIF-8 extrudate and ZIF-8 pellets, the latter indicating a behaviour associated with the additional presence of macropores. Our study presents quantifiable evidence for the effect of adsorbent shaping on gas adsorption equilibria and kinetics, providing a valuable resource for preliminary process design.