Single-stage method for isolation of cellulose nanocrystals from biomass in one pot

This study aimed to improve the production process of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from plant biomass. For this purpose, a single-stage method for isolating cellulose nanocrystals from biomass was proposed, where the processes of biomass delignification and acid hydrolysis were combined in one pot. The initial biomass was delignified with a 1.5 % sodium chlorite solution at 90oC for 1 h, while the subsequent hydrolysis was carried out with 45% sulfuric acid at 80oC for 1 h. It was shown that the single-stage method is highly productive and allows for a significant increase in the yield of CNCs. In addition, such a method provides wastewater recycling and the return of purified water to the production process, resulting in zero discharge of liquid waste. Applying the single-stage method to flax fibers showed that the isolated CNCs have an average DP of 80, a crystallinity of 74%, a length of 200 nm, and a width of 15 nm.