Temperature-Dependent Carbonization of Hemp Stalk-Derived Biochars: Structural, Morphological and Thermal Properties
Abstract
In this study, industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) stalk biomass was thermally converted into biochar at 400 and 700 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere, and the influence of pyrolysis temperature on the structural, morphological, chemical, and thermal alterations of the resulting materials was systematically investigated. Comprehensive characterization was performed using XRD, SEM–EDX, ATR–FTIR, and thermal analysis techniques. XRD results demonstrated that the semi-crystalline cellulose I structure of the raw hemp stalk progressively transformed into an amorphous/turbostratic hard-carbon structure with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The disappearance of characteristic cellulose reflections and the emergence of broad (002) and (100) diffraction bands confirmed the development of hard carbon structure consisting of short-range ordered but non-graphitic domains. SEM observations revealed the gradual collapse of the native tubular lignocellulosic structure and the formation of irregular, fragmented and heterogeneous morphology. EDX analysis indicated a significant increase in carbon content from 59.49% in the raw biomass to 92.74% in the 700 °C biochar, accompanied by a substantial reduction in oxygen content, reflecting advanced carbonization and aromatization. ATR–FTIR spectra further confirmed the decomposition of hydroxyl, aliphatic functional groups, and lignocellulosic structural framework together with the progressive formation of aromatic structures. Thermal analysis data demonstrated that increasing pyrolysis temperature markedly enhanced thermal stability and residual carbon content owing to the formation of condensed aromatic carbon matrices. This study demonstrates that pyrolysis temperature is a critical factor governing the structural and thermal properties of hemp-based biochars, and the findings are expected to provide valuable insights for future studies focused on environmental remediation, adsorption applications, and the development of advanced functional carbon materials.
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Nanochemistry
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ahmet Tabak
*
0000-0003-2565-0424
Türkiye
Şenol Eren
0009-0006-0733-1605
Türkiye
Bilge Doğan
0000-0001-7552-3461
Türkiye
Bülent Çağlar
0000-0002-6087-3685
Türkiye
Publication Date
May 31, 2026
Submission Date
May 6, 2026
Acceptance Date
May 12, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 1 Number: 1