Effect of plasma surface modification on ethanol desorption rate of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8)

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are useful materials as adsorbents, and plasma modification has been reported to improve their property. This study uncovers plasma surface treatment that can modify the desorption rate of ethanol from MOFs. To demonstrate this, we utilized a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the MOF adsorbent and an atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jet. The decrease in specific surface areas and the introduction of functional groups were confirmed by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area measurements and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and the rate of ethanol desorption from ZIF-8 was reduced compared to untreated one.