Holistic Valorization of Hemp through Reductive Catalytic Fractionation
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Despite the increased use of hemp fiber, negligible attention has been given to upgrade the hemp hurd, which constitutes up to 70 wt % of the hemp stalk and is currently considered a low-value byproduct. In this work, valorization of hemp hurd was performed by reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) in the presence of a metal catalyst. We found an unexpectedly high yield of monophenolic compounds (38.3 wt %) corresponding to above 95% of the theoretical maximum yield. The high yield is explained by both a thin cell wall and high S-lignin content. In addition, organosolv pulping was performed to generate a pulp that was bleached to produce dissolving-grade pulp suitable for textile fiber production (viscosity, 898 mL/g; ISO-brightness, 90.2%) and nanocellulose. Thus, we have demonstrated a novel value chain from a low-value side stream of hemp fiber manufacture that has the potential to increase textile fiber production with 100% yield and also give bio-oil for green chemicals.
Institutions: Stockholm University, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tarbes, Laboratoire Génie de Production, Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Franche-Comté Électronique Mécanique Thermique et Optique - Sciences et Technologies, Université de technologie de belfort-montbéliard, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, École Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et des Microtechniques, Université de Franche-Comté
Language: English
Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry
Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,000
Awards: G1116423133, G8640770329
OpenAlex ID: W4200020184