## 3 Results
### Microstructural Analyses  
Figure 7a-c present scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the ZIF-8 samples (ZS1, ZS2, and ZS3), while Figure 7d shows the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. These figures are essential in understanding the morphology, particle size, surface texture, and elemental composition of the synthesized ZIF-8 samples. The particles of ZIF-8 are densely packed, forming agglomerates or clusters. These agglomerates exhibit a random distribution pattern, indicating that the particles have a tendency to aggregate during synthesis or sample preparation. Furthermore, the SEM image provides insights into the porosity of ZIF-8. The surface of the particles exhibits a porous structure with numerous small pores distributed throughout. These pores appear to be interconnected, forming an intricate network within the material. The presence of these pores indicates the potential for high surface area and adsorption properties, which are desirable characteristics of MOF materials. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (Figure 7d) represents the presence of constituent elements in the synthesized ZS1, ZS2, and ZS3 samples. The SEM images reveal that the ZIF-8 particles have a rhombic dodecahedral shape, which is typical for ZIF-8. This geometry is significant because it reflects the crystalline nature of the material, which is important for maintaining the framework's porosity and stability. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Serial Number** & **Samples** & **Average Particle Size (mm)** \\ \hline
1. & ZS1 & 99.46 \\
2. & ZS2 & 101.9 \\
3. & ZS3 & 105.7 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: Average particle size of synthesized ZCAF samples. Images show the variation in particle size among the three samples. ZS1 (Figure 7a) shows relatively smaller and more uniform particles compared with ZS2 and ZS3. ZS2 (Figure 7b) has larger particles than ZS1 with slightly less uniformity. ZS3 (Figure 7c) displays the largest and least uniform particles with some degree of agglomeration. ZS3 shows noticeable surface roughness and potential porosity, which likely contribute to its higher surface area. The roughness increases the number of active sites available for gas molecules to interact with, and the porosity enhances the accessibility of these sites. This combination is crucial for gas adsorption as a higher surface area and pore accessibility directly improve the material's ability to adsorb gases efficiently. The SEM images indicate that ZIF-8 particles have a tendency to form agglomerates, particularly in ZS3. Agglomeration could reduce the effective surface area but might also create mesopores between aggregates that could enhance the material's adsorption properties for larger gas molecules. The EDX spectrum confirms the presence of the key elements in ZIF-8: zinc (Zn), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and possibly oxygen (O) from either the ZIF-8 framework or absorbed moisture. The presence of these elements is consistent across all samples (ZS1, ZS2, and ZS3), confirming the successful synthesis of the ZIF-8 framework. The EDX analysis provides insights into the distribution of elements within the samples. A uniform distribution of Zn, C, and N across the analyzed area suggests a homogeneous synthesis process, which is crucial for ensuring consistent performance in practical applications. The absence of unexpected peaks in the EDX spectrum indicates that the samples are relatively free from contamination. This purity is critical for maintaining the desired properties of ZIF-8, especially in applications where chemical reactivity or adsorption efficiency could be compromised by impurities. The morphology and particle size observed in the SEM images suggest that ZS1, with its smaller and more uniform particles, might offer better performance in CO\({}_{2}\) adsorption due to a higher surface area-to-volume ratio.