Role of ion ligands in the attachment of poly(ethylene oxide) to a charged surface

Using a surface force balance we demonstrate unambiguously that high-molecular-weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) does not adsorb onto mica from purified water with no added salt, a surprising observation in view of its strong adsorption on mica from aqueous 0.1 M KNO3 solution. Analysis of the force profiles, together with the known complexation of PEO with metal ions, suggests that the polymer attachment to the negatively charged surface is mediated by the hydrated potassium ion acting as a ligand.