Preparation of cellulose nanocrystals in water–aprotic solvent mixtures

The effect of mixtures of water and aprotic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and acetonitrile on the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by hydrolysis with sulfuric acid was investigated. Addition of an aprotic solvent to water increases the yield of CNCs and reduces the required acid concentration.