Guide To Hemp-Derived Carbon Nanosheets (HDCNS) Production For Composite Materials
Uploaded by
Marie Landry's Spy ShopGuide To Hemp-Derived Carbon Nanosheets (HDCNS) Production For Composite Materials
Uploaded by
Marie Landry's Spy ShopGuide to Hemp-Derived Carbon Nanosheets
(HDCNS) Production for Composite
Materials
Marie Seshat Landry
April 11, 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive guide to the production of Hemp-Derived
Carbon Nanosheets (HDCNS) for use in high-performance composite materials.
Emphasizing sustainable innovation, it outlines various thermochemical, chemical,
and hybrid processes to synthesize nanosheets from hemp biomass. Key method-
ologies, material selection, and integration into composite systems are detailed,
positioning HDCNS as a viable green alternative to synthetic nanomaterials.
1. Introduction
Carbon nanosheets (CNS) are two-dimensional nanomaterials known for their exceptional
mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Hemp, a fast-growing regenerative plant,
is an ideal feedstock for carbon nanosheet production due to its high cellulose content,
rapid biomass accumulation (up to 4 meters in 120 days), and carbon sequestration
potential (up to 10 tons of CO2 per hectare). Hemp-derived CNS (HDCNS) offer an
organic alternative to graphene and petroleum-based nanocarbons, aligning with the
goals of sustainability, biodegradability, and circular material economies.
2. Hemp Biomass Selection
2.1. Bast Fibers
High in cellulose and low in lignin, bast fibers yield well-ordered carbon frameworks with
high crystallinity—ideal for advanced structural composites.
1
2.2. Hurds (Shivs)
Rich in lignin and hemicellulose, hurds contribute to higher porosity and tailored surface
functionalities suitable for electrochemical and EMI applications.
2.3. Leaves and Whole Stalks
These parts are valuable for bulk production or hybrid composites and can be pre-treated
to optimize yield and sheet morphology.
3. Methods of HDCNS Production
3.1. Pyrolytic Techniques
3.1.1 Direct Pyrolysis
• Process: Thermal decomposition of hemp biomass in an inert atmosphere (N2 ,
Ar) between 500–1000°C.
• Products: Amorphous to semi-graphitic carbon nanosheets.
• Control Parameters: Heating rate, hold time, and biomass particle size.
3.1.2 Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) + Pyrolysis
• Step 1: HTC at 180–250°C in a sealed aqueous system.
• Step 2: Pyrolysis post-treatment to develop carbon structure.
• Advantages: Lower energy demand, enhanced sheet porosity.
3.2. Chemical Activation Techniques
3.2.1 KOH or ZnCl2 Activation
• Biomass is impregnated with activating agent before pyrolysis.
• Produces high surface area nanosheets with increased conductivity.
3.2.2 Template-Assisted Activation
• Uses sacrificial templates (e.g., MgO, silica) to control sheet dimensions.
• Template removed post-carbonization using acid washing.
2
3.3. Mechanical and Physical Exfoliation
• Ball milling or sonication used to exfoliate pyrolyzed hemp biochar.
• Useful for controlling nanosheet thickness and lateral size.
3.4. Emerging Techniques
3.4.1 Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis
• Rapid, uniform heating.
• Enhances graphitization at lower temperatures.
3.4.2 Plasma Treatment
• Surface-functionalizes nanosheets with oxygen or nitrogen groups.
• Can improve dispersion in polymer matrices.
4. Integration into Composite Materials
4.1. Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs)
• Nanosheets improve tensile strength, thermal stability, and conductivity.
• Compatible with biopolymers (PLA, PHB) and synthetic resins (epoxy, PU).
4.2. Bio-composites and Green Plastics
• Fully organic matrices reinforced with HDCNS yield biodegradable, high-performance
materials.
• Applications: construction panels, packaging, automotive interiors.
4.3. Multifunctional Composites
• EMI shielding, sensors, supercapacitors, and structural batteries.
• Nanosheets functionalized with dopants (N, S) to enhance properties.
5. Sustainability Considerations
• Energy Efficiency: Prefer low-temperature, catalytic, or microwave-assisted pro-
cesses.
3
• Waste Valorization: Use agricultural waste or process residues.
• Circular Economy: Design composites for recyclability or biodegradability.
6. Conclusion
Hemp-derived carbon nanosheets represent a transformative material class for the green
composite industry. Through various thermochemical and chemical synthesis routes, HD-
CNS can be tailored for structural, electrical, and environmental applications. Integrating
these bio-based nanosheets into composite technologies advances not only material per-
formance but also ethical and ecological standards for future innovation.
References
• Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). ”Biomass-derived carbon nanosheets for energy applica-
tions.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 9(3), 1189–1204.
• Liu, C., et al. (2020). ”Hydrothermal carbonization of hemp biomass.” Journal of
Cleaner Production, 263, 121441.
• Li, X., et al. (2022). ”Microwave-assisted synthesis of graphitic carbon from plant
materials.” Carbon, 180, 467–479.
• Landry, M. S. (2024). “Universal Declaration of Organic Rights and the Hemp
Revolution.” Organic Futures Journal, 1(1), 1–15.
