Multi-probe methods for investigating ion hydration

Techniques developed at large scale facilities such as X-ray synchrotrons and pulsed or reactor based neutron sources have, over the past few decades, played a significant role in unravelling many of the mysteries that underpin the chemical, physical and biochemical properties of ions in solutions. In this presentation we will illustrate how the combination of X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy can be applied to the investigation of the structure of ion hydration shells. Examples of hydration of di- and tri-valent ions will be shown. In particular we will present an investigation of the hydration structure of copper (II) ions using this multi-technique approach, and discuss the findings in the context of biological and chemical systems.