Dear Editor,

I have thoroughly reviewed the manuscript titled "ZIF-8, a hard-to-desorb adsorbent for aromatics" and found it to be a valuable contribution to the field of adsorbent materials for VOC capture. The study addresses a critical environmental issue and provides novel insights into the performance of ZIF-7 and ZIF-8 in comparison to activated carbon (AC). However, I recommend acceptance of the manuscript with minor revisions to enhance its clarity, coherence, and overall impact. Below, I summarize my key observations and suggestions for improvement:

Abstract
The abstract is well-written but could benefit from additional details:

Provide more information about the experimental setup and analytical techniques used.
Highlight the practical applications and scalability of ZIF-8, as well as any potential limitations.
Introduction
While the introduction effectively sets the stage for the research, there are areas that require clarification:

Justify the selection of ZIF-7 and ZIF-8 over other MOFs by comparing their properties and advantages.
Address potential challenges associated with the use of these MOFs, such as cost, synthesis complexity, or scalability.
Discuss the environmental impact of synthesizing and deploying ZIF-7 and ZIF-8 to align the research with broader sustainability goals.
Methods
The methodology section is robust but requires some clarifications and additions:

Provide an image or schematic of the dynamic test setup, including details such as column size, material inside the column, and placement of measurement devices (e.g., FTIR).
Clearly explain the rationale for selecting specific temperatures, pressures, and flow rates in both static and dynamic experiments.
Include additional information about the FTIR detector, such as calibration procedures and sensitivity limits.
Address the ambiguity regarding the use of nitrogen adsorption instead of BTX. Explain why nitrogen adsorption was used and how these data relate to BTX adsorption performance.
Results and Discussion
The results and discussion sections are comprehensive but would benefit from the following improvements:

Discuss the reproducibility of the ZIF-7 synthesis process and address any potential variability in material properties.
Acknowledge and discuss the impact of incomplete isotherms at 60°C and explore alternative methods to mitigate this limitation.
Include a discussion of measurement uncertainties and statistical analyses to assess the reliability of the results.
Expand on how the experimental conditions (e.g., wet conditions at 70% RH) reflect real-world applications and discuss any potential discrepancies.
Provide a plausible explanation for ZIF-8’s temperature-dependent adsorption behavior, supported by mechanistic insights or hypotheses.
Add a brief summary or transition between the static and dynamic results to improve flow and coherence.
Discuss the broader implications of the findings, including their potential impact on industrial applications and environmental sustainability.
Compare the results with recent studies on MOFs and other advanced adsorbents to provide a more comprehensive context.
Simplify technical terms like "local dynamic motion mechanism" and "gate-opening mechanism" by providing brief definitions or analogies.
Overall Recommendations
In conclusion, I believe the manuscript has significant merit and will make a meaningful contribution to the field once the suggested revisions are addressed. I recommend acceptance of the manuscript with minor revisions.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this work.

Sincerely,

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my appreciation for the authors' efforts in addressing the majority of the comments and suggestions provided during the review process. Given the authors' responsiveness to the reviewers' concerns, I believe the manuscript is now suitable for publication.

Thank you for considering my recommendation.

Best regards,