Surface area and porosity of acid hydrolyzed cellulose nanowhiskers and cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus

► The surface area and porosity of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), bacterial cellulose synthesized by static and agitated cultures were determined and compared. ► CNWs exhibited significantly increased surface area and porosity compared to fibrous cellulose. Bacterial CNWs harbored larger surface area and porosity compared to plant CNWs. ► Acid hydrolysis mechanisms on pores generation in cellulose fibers were proposed. ► Bacterial cellulose from static and agitated cultures was porous and cellulose from agitated culture had less surface area and porosity than that from static culture.