Abstract: A collection device in which the particle collection surface, tacky due to the presence of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol thereon, is periodically or continually hydrated, rehydrated or replenished. This perpetuated hydration of the polyvinyl alcohol collection surface maintains particle collection effectiveness which would be reduced upon dehydration of the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol to a nontacky anhydrous polymer. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the collection surface is kept in continuous saturation with aqueous polyvinyl alcohol by means of a wick connecting the collection surface and a reservoir of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol. Other hydration arrangements are included within the scope of the invention. The polyvinyl alcohol collection surface, with perpetuated hydration, enables reliable capture and retention of particles, and the polyvinyl alcohol itself does not interfere with analysis by SEM, TEM or other methods.