The accurate assessment of the chemical speciation of complex systems through multi-technique approaches

Abstract

Chemical speciation studies, i.e., the study of the distribution of an element or compound among its various species in a system of interest, are of fundamental importance. Chemical speciation investigations can be performed mainly by either the direct measurement of the chemical species by different analytical techniques, or by chemical modelling through equilibrium thermodynamic data, based on the use of stability constants (and other thermodynamic parameters) of the formed species. For these purposes, a series of techniques can be used. As soon as the complexity of the systems of interest increases, the need for more detailed information arises. As such, a multi-technique approach is essential to derive complementary data to define a chemical system. In this tutorial review we analysed the most common instrumental techniques employed for chemical speciation studies and equilibrium data analysis. The main advantages and disadvantages of potentiometry, voltammetry, coulometry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, NMR, EPR, ITC, HRMS and quantum mechanical calculations, together with brief mention to other less common techniques, are discussed together with a series of practical examples of their application. The main aim of this tutorial review is to provide a practical guide to all scientists interested in the field.