Order in molecular liquids near solid–liquid interfaces

Abstract Much less is known about structure at solid–liquid interfaces than at solid or liquid surfaces, largely because it is more difficult for experimental probes to penetrate into an interface. In recent years, the availability of synchrotron radiation (which is intense and collimated, and whose energy and thus penetration depth can be varied) has made scattering experiments at such interfaces possible. This article reviews some recent studies of ordering at the liquid side of a solid–liquid interface.