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Understanding specific ion effects and the Hofmeister series
Kasimir P Gregory1,2, Gareth R Elliott1, Hayden Robertson1
1Discipline of Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia. alister.page@newcastle.edu.au.
Specific ion effects (SIEs), known for over 130 years, remain poorly understood. This review explores historical explanations, current challenges, and future directions for a predictive theory of SIEs across sciences.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Specific ion effects (SIEs), including the Hofmeister Series, have been recognized for over 130 years.
- SIEs are prevalent across medical, biological, chemical, and industrial fields.
- A lack of predictive theory hinders understanding of ion specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical explanations for SIEs in aqueous solutions.
- To explore factors causing SIE perturbations and reversals.
- To discuss SIEs in diverse systems and identify research opportunities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and contemporary research on SIEs.
- Analysis of ion properties influencing SIEs.
- Exploration of SIEs in various chemical environments.
Main Results:
- Historical theories attributed SIEs to ion properties like charge and size.
- Complex interactions with solvents, counterions, and cosolutes lead to anomalous SIEs.
- Ions exhibit distinct behaviors at liquid-vapor interfaces.
Conclusions:
- Significant challenges remain in predicting SIEs due to system complexity.
- Further research into mixed electrolytes, non-aqueous solvents, and concentrated solutions is crucial.
- Developing a general predictive theory for SIEs is an ongoing opportunity.
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