Abstract: Presented herein for the first time are novel and highly efficient methods for producing CNCs. In exemplary embodiments, the method comprises mixing in a single reaction vessel a cellulose pulp, an acidic solution; and sodium chlorite, wherein the sodium chlorite reacts to form a bleaching agent, chlorine dioxide, wherein bleaching and acid hydrolysis of the cellulose pulp occurs in the single reaction vessel. In alternative or additional embodiments, the method comprises mixing with a resonant acoustic mixer a high consistency cellulose pulp with an acidic solution in a reaction vessel. Related methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture are further provided herein.