## 3 Results
### Microstructural Analyses
Conversely, the larger particles in ZS3, while potentially having a lower surface area, might benefit from the creation of mesopores  
Figure 7: Scanning electron micrographs of (**a**) ZS1, (**b**) ZS2, and (**c**) ZS3 and (**d**) EDX analyses. Scale bar corresponds to 1 \(\upmu\)m.  
through agglomeration, which could aid in adsorbing larger gas molecules or providing faster adsorption kinetics. The well-defined morphology and the confirmed elemental composition suggest that the synthesized ZIF-8 samples maintain their structural integrity, which is important for long-term stability in applications such as gas storage or catalysis. Any degradation or inconsistency in the morphology could lead to reduced efficiency or material failure. The differences in particle size and surface roughness between the samples imply that each might be suited for different applications. For instance, ZS1 could be ideal for precise and high-capacity gas adsorption, while ZS3 might be better for scenarios where robustness and the ability to handle a broader range of molecule sizes are more important. Figure 8a-c display the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the ZIF-8 cellulose air filter (ZCAF) samples ZCAF1, ZCAF2, and ZCAF3. Figure 8d presents the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis for the same samples. The SEM images reveal how ZIF-8 particles are integrated into the cellulose fiber matrix. The ZIF-8 crystals are dispersed within the fibrous network of cellulose, maintaining the structural integrity of the composite material. ZCAF1 (Figure 8a): This sample shows a relatively low loading of ZIF-8 particles within the cellulose matrix, with the fibers being more visible and less covered by ZIF-8 crystals. The ZIF-8 particles are smaller and more uniformly distributed. ZCAF2 (Figure 8b): As the loading of ZIF-8 increases, the particles become more densely packed on the cellulose fibers. There is still a visible network of cellulose, but the ZIF-8 crystals start to dominate the surface area. ZCAF3 (Figure 8c): This sample shows the highest ZIF-8 loading, with the cellulose fibers being heavily coated and, in some areas, being almost completely obscured by the ZIF-8 particles. The particles appear to form larger clusters, suggesting some degree of agglomeration at higher loadings. The SEM images illustrate that the cellulose matrix provides a porous and interconnected network that, when combined with  
Figure 8: Scanning electron micrographs of (**a**) ZCAF1, (**b**) ZCAF2, and (**c**) ZCAF3 and (**d**) EDX analyses. Scale bar corresponds to 1 μm. ZIF-8, enhances the material's surface area. This is beneficial for CO2 adsorption as it allows greater exposure of ZIF-8 active sites to CO2 molecules. In ZCAF3, the higher density of ZIF-8 particles creates additional mesopores between the aggregated particles, which could improve the material's ability to capture and retain CO2 by providing more adsorption sites. The interaction between the ZIF-8 particles and cellulose fibers is crucial. In ZCAF1 and ZCAF2, the ZIF-8 particles are well adhered to the fibers, suggesting strong binding interactions, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the filter during use. However, in ZCAF3, the increased particle loading may lead to weaker adhesion, as indicated by the more pronounced agglomeration. The EDX analysis confirms the presence of the expected elements--zinc (Zn) from ZIF-8 and carbon (C) from both ZIF-8 and the cellulose fibers. Nitrogen (N) is also present from the imidazolate linker in ZIF-8. The consistent presence of these elements across all samples verifies the successful incorporation of ZIF-8 into the cellulose matrix. The EDX spectra do not show significant peaks for elements other than Zn, C, and N, indicating that the samples are relatively free of impurities. This is important for ensuring that the material's performance is not compromised by contaminants, which could affect the CO2 adsorption efficiency.