Purification of cellulose from rice husk for the synthesis of nanocellulose

Cellulose was purified from rice husk with several steps to remove impurities. The purified cellulose was used for the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals. Apart of the impurities commonly found on cellulosic plant sources, the sample contained silica too, which was removed using a NaOH treatment. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was done on cellulose before and after treatment and on the resulting cellulose nanocrystals. Thermogravimetric Analysis was also done on the rice husk, and it showed a reduction on the content of silica.