An X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Study of the Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone Desorption from the Surface of a Granulated Carbon Sorbent

The surface of a carbon sorbent modified with poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The modification involves polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone on the carbon sorbent surface to form poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone. The elemental composition of the carbon sorbent surface before and after modification was determined by XPS. The electronic state of atoms of the identified elements on the surface was evaluated. The contact of the modified carbon sorbent with normal saline simulating the biological medium leads to partial removal (desorption) of the polymer from the granulated sample.