Addressing microwave irradiation for the facile preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose

This work presents a microwave-assisted technique for the preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). The method involves a sequence of controlled chemical treatments, comprises of alkaline delignification (2 % w/v NaOH), chlorine-free bleaching (2 wt% H₂O₂) and an acid hydrolysis step (50 wt% H₂SO₄). Each treatment is precisely outlined, with a clear focus on the underlying objectives, procedure, key observations and the rationale for specific conditions, to ensure reproducibility of the experimental design. The technique is validated through comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (nano-whisker shape), transmission electron microscopy (average length = 264.35 nm, diameter = 25.26 nm and aspect ratio = 10.47), X-ray diffraction (CI = 65.90 %), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (T_max = 300.71 °C), zeta potential measurement (δ = -44.50 mV) and production yield (61.50 %). The intensification of dipolar rotation and ionic conduction during microwave-assisted processing preserves the crystallinity and stability of the final product, and enables scalable NCC production for diverse applications.•Facile preparation technique of nanocrystalline cellulose.•Microwave-assisted alkalization, bleaching and acid hydrolysis reactions.•Preservation of morphological structure, shape, size, crystallinity, functionality, thermostability and surface charge.