## 3 Results
### Microstructural Analyses
The SEM and EDX results suggest that ZCAF3, with the highest ZIF-8 loading, might offer the greatest CO2 adsorption capacity due to the increased surface area and additional porosity provided by the agglomerated ZIF-8 particles. However, the potential downside is the reduced uniformity and possible weakening of the composite's mechanical integrity at high loadings. ZCAF2 might represent an optimal balance between ZIF-8 loading and structural integrity, offering a high surface area for adsorption while maintaining good dispersion and strong adhesion to the cellulose fibers. ZCAF1, with the lowest ZIF-8 loading, might have the least adsorption capacity but could be more mechanically robust. The degree of ZIF-8 loading affects the mechanical stability of the filter. ZCAF1 and ZCAF2, with better particle dispersion, are likely to maintain their structural integrity better under operational conditions, such as airflow in a filtration system. ZCAF3, while potentially offering higher adsorption capacity, might be more prone to particle detachment or filter clogging due to the higher density and possible weaker adhesion of the ZIF-8 clusters. The insights from these figures suggest that the ZCAF filter's performance can be tailored by adjusting the ZIF-8 loading. For applications requiring maximum CO2 capture, ZCAF3 might be preferred, while ZCAF2 could offer a balanced solution for applications requiring both high adsorption efficiency and mechanical durability. Figure 8a-d together provide a detailed understanding of the ZCAF samples' morphology, elemental composition, and structural properties. These insights are critical for optimizing the ZCAF filters for CO2 capture, allowing for the adjustment of ZIF-8 loading to achieve the desired balance between adsorption capacity and material stability. The SEM images reveal distinct morphological differences among the ZIF-8 samples (ZS1, ZS2, ZS3), characterized by variations in particle size, shape, and surface texture. ZS1, with smaller and more uniformly shaped particles, exhibits a smooth surface with minimal roughness, indicative of fewer surface defects. In contrast, ZS3 displays larger, less uniform particles with pronounced surface roughness and potential porosity. These microstructural differences are not merely cosmetic but have profound implications for the CO2 adsorption performance. The smaller, uniform particles of ZS1 likely contribute to a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, enhancing the availability of active sites for CO2 adsorption. This increased surface area could facilitate a more significant interaction between CO2 molecules and the ZIF-8 surface, improving adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the smooth surface of ZS1 suggests fewer surface defects, which may lead to more efficient pore utilization and reduced diffusion resistance for CO2 molecules entering the ZIF-8 framework. On the other hand, the larger particles of ZS3, despite a lower surface area-to-volume ratio, might exhibit enhanced adsorption due to the creation of mesopores through agglomeration. These mesopores can act as secondary adsorption sites, facilitating the capture of larger CO\({}_{2}\) molecules or those that might otherwise face steric hindrance within the primary micropores of ZIF-8. The surface roughness observed in ZS3 could also contribute to this by increasing the complexity of the adsorption landscape, potentially trapping CO\({}_{2}\) molecules more effectively. Moreover, the presence of surface roughness and potential porosity in ZS3 may lead to enhanced kinetic performance, where the adsorption and desorption processes are accelerated due to easier access to the internal pore structure. This could be particularly beneficial in dynamic systems where rapid adsorption-desorption cycles are required. The balance between these factors--surface area, pore structure, and particle uniformity--likely explains the observed performance differences among the ZIF-8 samples.