Spectra Analysis of the XPS Core and Valence Energy Levels of Polyvinyl Alcohol by an ab initio MO Method Using the 1,3,5-Hexanetriol Molecule

Abstract
The X-ray photoelectron spectra of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were analyzed by an ab initio MO method using the 1,3,5-hexanetriol (HTO) molecule. The theoretical spectral patterns derived from the Gelius–Siegbahn model showed good agreement with the spectra observed between 0—30 eV. The present results suggest several new assignments for the XPS spectra. The core-level C1s peaks at 285.0 and 286.5 eV correspond to the C1s electron levels arising from the CH2 and CH(OH) groups, respectively.