The adsorption/desorption process of cationic cellulose polyquaternium-4, PQ4 (Celquat (R) L-200), at a water/1,2-dichloroethane interface, was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, surface pressure-molecular area isotherms and contact angle measurements. The effect of potential and time of polarization, as well as the nature and concentration of the organic electrolyte was analyzed and correlated with the organization of PQ4 at the interface. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.