Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based, high aspect ratio nanoparticles that are industrially produced in tonne-per-day quantities across the globe. CNCs can be used to improve the performance of a large range of materials such as emulsions and foams, biomedical devices, electronics and sensors, high-viscosity fluids and polymer composites. Their ability to do so, however, is highly dependent on the way they are produced. In this Review, we assess the properties of CNCs from more than 30 production routes and 40 biomass sources to help CNC users select the right material for their desired application. CNCs produced by various methods are evaluated against three target properties: colloidal stability, size and crystallinity index. Alternative production routes and/or starting materials are suggested to overcome challenges associated with CNC use, including increasing compatibility with hydrophobic materials, resistance to thermal degradation and colloidal stability in high ionic strength environments. Additionally, we discuss industrial production of CNCs, as well as considerations for increasing the yield and reducing the environmental impact of these processes. Overall, this Review guides researchers and CNC users towards a deeper understanding of how production processes can be modified to control CNC properties and subsequently tailor their performance.

纤维素纳米晶体（CNC）是基于生物的高纵横比纳米颗粒，在全球范围内以每天每吨的量工业生产。CNC可用于改善各种材料的性能，例如乳液和泡沫，生物医学设备，电子产品和传感器，高粘度流体和聚合物复合材料。但是，他们这样做的能力在很大程度上取决于其生产方式。在这篇评论中，我们评估了30多种生产路线和40种生物质来源的CNC的特性，以帮助CNC用户选择适合其所需应用的正确材料。针对三种目标特性对通过各种方法生产的CNC进行了评估：胶体稳定性，尺寸和结晶度指标。建议使用替代生产路线和/或起始材料来克服与CNC使用相关的挑战，包括增加与疏水材料的相容性，在高离子强度环境中的抗热降解性和胶体稳定性。此外，我们讨论了CNC的工业生产，以及增加产量和减少这些过程对环境的影响的考虑因素。总体而言，此评论指导研究人员和CNC用户更深入地了解如何修改生产过程以控制CNC属性并随后调整其性能。以及增加产量和减少这些过程对环境的影响的考虑因素。总体而言，此评论指导研究人员和CNC用户更深入地了解如何修改生产过程以控制CNC属性并随后调整其性能。以及增加产量和减少这些过程对环境的影响的考虑因素。总体而言，此评论指导研究人员和CNC用户更深入地了解如何修改生产过程以控制CNC属性并随后调整其性能。