A study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts explained a discovery in extraction technology for hemp fiber. University of Louisville researchers studied the effectiveness of methane sulphonic acid (MSA) in hemp seed hull hydrolysis. This process extracts xylose (a sugar found in wood) and converts the hydrolyzed biomass to high surface area activated carbon (AC) as part of the C-5 biorefinery process. C-5 biorefinery processes often use sugars like xylose to produce biofuels and biochemicals. The study’s findings can significantly impact refining extraction processes tailored to hemp fiber production.
The choice of acid and hydrolysis conditions are essential factors in the C-5 biomass biorefinery process. Sulphuric acid (SA) is often preferred for dilute acid hydrolysis, which converts xylose to xylitol and other chemical precursors. SA pre-treatment/hydrolysis requires acid neutralization, which can be expensive and generate sulfate wastes. However, the research team found that using methane sulphonic acid (MSA) in lieu of SA is more cost-effective, more sustainable, and less labor-intensive.
The study confirmed that dilute acid hydrolysis of hemp seed hull with MSA had an acid loading of 1.8%, yielding 26.15 g/L of xylose. This level yielded 31% higher yields than traditional dilute acid hydrolysis with sulphuric acid (SA) at the same acid loading rate.
This extraction technology can promote increased use of sustainable, low-cost agricultural biomass. One critical use would involve making high-surface-area AC that can serve as components in supercapacitors. Scientists can convert the remaining xylose-stripped biomass to other value-added products, such as activated carbon (AC). For example, lithium-ion batteries require renewable electrode material, and researchers believe high-surface-area ACs produced by this process can meet this need.
As more states promote growing hemp for fiber, the need for efficient, cost-effective extraction technology will increase. This study provides a valuable framework for future studies exploring advanced extraction technology methods.