The solvation of ions and molecules probed via soft X-ray spectroscopies

Dissolving ions or molecules in different solvents (e.g. water, alcohol) changes their local geometric and electronic structure. The focus of this review will be on the use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the soft X-ray regime to investigate the changes in the electronic structure of the solute, and upon reaction in solution. By combining these studies with theoretical modeling, the obtained information on the local electronic structure can be translated into the geometric structure, and in particular the charge transfer between the dissolved system and the solvent can be quantified. X-ray absorption studies are combined in some cases with X-ray emission or photoemission spectroscopy to obtain a full picture of the occupied and non-occupied electronic states of the probed elements.