Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from rice straw

► Successful isolation of pure cellulose from rice straw by an effective three-step process. ► Derivation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from sulfuric acid hydrolysis of rice straw-derived cellulose. ► Detailed characterization of rice straw-derived CNCs. ► Self-assembly of rice straw-derived CNCs into ultra-fine fibers after freeze-drying diluted CNCs suspension. ► High stability of self-assembled CNC ultra-fine fibers in aqueous media.