Chemically peeling layers of cellulose nanocrystals by periodate and chlorite oxidation

Layers of cellulose nanocrystals are peeled off by controlled periodate and chlorite oxidation to produce nanocrystals with a tunable width. The chemical modification increases the solubility of the polymers at the crystal surface to the extent that they preferentially exist in solution and detach from the crystal. The number of layers removed is controlled by the degree of partial oxidation. The reaction occurs on the crystal surface and at the crystal ends, resulting in crystals which are both shorter and thinner, likely with dangling chains at each end. The crystallinity index is reduced with each layer removed.