Leveraging Diffusion Kinetics to Reverse Propane/Propylene Adsorption in Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8.

Abstract in brief

• This study explores how changing particle size and gas flow rate in zeolitic imidazolate framework8 (ZIF8) can reversibly alter its preference to adsorb propane over propylene, addressing the challenge of separating these molecules with similar properties.
• By increasing crystal size and adjusting flow rates, the researchers demonstrate that diffusion constraints and kinetic factors can switch the adsorption preference, moving beyond traditional thermodynamic explanations.
• The authors introduce the concept of dynamic selectivity, which integrates both thermodynamic and kinetic influences, supported by improved computational models, highlighting diffusion-based control as a practical way to optimize adsorption-based separations.]