Holistic Valorization of Hemp through Reductive Catalytic\nFractionation

Abstract

Despite the increased\nuse of hemp fiber, negligible attention has\nbeen given to upgrade the hemp hurd, which constitutes up to 70 wt\n% of the hemp stalk and is currently considered a low-value byproduct.\nIn this work, valorization of hemp hurd was performed by reductive\ncatalytic fractionation (RCF) in the presence of a metal catalyst.\nWe found an unexpectedly high yield of monophenolic compounds (38.3\nwt %) corresponding to above 95% of the theoretical maximum yield.\nThe high yield is explained by both a thin cell wall and high S-lignin\ncontent. In addition, organosolv pulping was performed to generate\na pulp that was bleached to produce dissolving-grade pulp suitable\nfor textile fiber production (viscosity, 898 mL/g; ISO-brightness,\n90.2%) and nanocellulose. Thus, we have demonstrated a novel value\nchain from a low-value side stream of hemp fiber manufacture that\nhas the potential to increase textile fiber production with 100% yield\nand also give bio-oil for green chemicals.