Anomalous X-ray diffraction studies of hydration effects in concentrated aqueous electrolyte solutions

The method of anomalous X-ray diffraction (AXD) was applied to two aqueous electrolyte solutions: 6 m rubidium bromide and 4 m rubidium chloride. Data from the former solution were used to determine Br- hydration and those from the latter to determine Rb+ hydration. The results are compared with those obtained from other techniques and contrasted with the hydration of other ions in their respective series. A critical appraisal of the AXD method and its potential for future studies of ionic solutions are given. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V