Seshat's HD-1D-DNTs: A Green Chemistry Route to Ultra-High-Strength Diamond Nanothreads from Renewable Hemp Biomass

The synthesis of one-dimensional diamond nanothreads (DNTs), materials possessing extraordinary theoretical specific strength, has traditionally relied on high-pressure polymerization of petrochemical aromatic precursors. We report a novel, highly sustainable synthesis route for Hemp-Derived 1D Diamond Nanothreads (HD-1D-DNTs), which we term Seshat’s HD-1D-DNTs. This approach adheres strictly to green chemistry principles by sourcing carbon from hemp biomass via a two-stage process: (1) Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) and Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) transform hemp lignin into purified aromatic precursors. (2) These precursors undergo Pressure-Induced Polymerization (PIP) under controlled isothermal compression (~20 GPa) within a Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC). Successful transformation from sp² to the diamond-like sp³ structure is confirmed by the characteristic ~1332 cm⁻¹ band in Raman spectroscopy. This methodology offers a carbon-negative pathway to produce high-performance nano-reinforcement. We propose the integration of functionalized Seshat’s HD-1D-DNTs into bio-based Hempoxies, projecting a revolutionary increase in composite tensile strength and fracture toughness, thereby enabling the next generation of lightweight, sustainable materials for aerospace, automotive, and high-performance structural applications.