A feasible approach was developed to quickly hydrolyze microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) into glucose using a new carbon-based solid catalyst (CSC). The catalysts possessed the structure of mesoporous carbon with weak acidic carboxylic and phenolic groups. 83.94% yield of glucose was achieved at 200 degrees C for 50 min using mixed ball milling of MCC and CSC. The catalysts showed excellent recyclability and catalytic activity after five cycles. [GRAPHICS] .