Analysis of cellulose nanocrystal rod lengths by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy

A method to characterize the length (L) of rod-like cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles is described. It is based on dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy. Measurement of translational diffusion coefficient from DLS along with diameter measurements from electron microscopy is used in Broersma translational diffusion coefficient equation to calculate the CNC particle L. For wood based CNC rods, diameter of 15 nm measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and translational diffusion coefficient of 5.21 x 10(-12) m(2)/s measured by DLS give particle L of 271 nm from Broersma's relation. This one and other calculated L values for various rod-like particles are in good agreement with the L of the particles measured either by transmission or SEM.