Electrochemical adsorption of a cationic cellulosic polymer by ion pair formation at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions

- Polyelectrolyte PQ4 adsorbs at an electrified liquid/liquid interface.
- The configurations of PQ4 at the interface depend on potential and concentration of contra-ions.
- At low potentials and low anion concentrations, PQ4 adsorbs at the aqueous side in trains configuration.
- Upon polarization, organic anions are transferred to aqueous phase and adsorbs on the polymer.
- At high potentials, PQ4 penetrates into the organic phase forming loops or tails.