Industrial hemp bast contains up to 59% cellulose but is often underutilised in low‑value textiles. To unlock its potential, the research team, led by Professor Liu Liu, systematically compared three preparation methods: TEMPO‑mediated oxidation (TCNF), sulfuric acid hydrolysis (SCNC), and lignin‑retaining hydrolysis (LCNC).

The results clearly identified the best performers. TCNF achieved the highest absolute Zeta potential (38.30 mV), indicating superior dispersion stability. A clear Tyndall effect under laser irradiation confirmed its true nanoscale size. For acid hydrolysis, the optimal treatment time was 45 minutes, producing SCNC with an absolute Zeta potential of 29.59 mV. Remarkably, this SCNC suspension showed no visible stratification even after 24 hours of standing, demonstrating outstanding long‑term stability. In contrast, LCNC exhibited lower Zeta potential values but offers a more sustainable, less chemical‑intensive route.

These findings provide clear, actionable guidelines: TEMPO‑oxidized nanocellulose is ideal for applications demanding the highest stability (e.g., biomedical materials), while properly hydrolysed SCNC works well for composites and packaging. By turning an abundant agricultural resource into a high‑performance nanomaterial, this work opens a practical pathway towards sustainable bio‑based products.

The work entitled “Preparation and Characterization of Industrial Hemp Nanocellulose through Different Processes” was published in Journal of Donghua University (English Edition) (published in Issue 01, 2026).

DOI: 10.19884/j.1672-5220.202412017