Preparation of Ag Fine Particles from Aqueous Silver Solution by Reduction Reaction

A study on the preparation of Ag fine particles was performed through a reduction reaction using ascorbic acids as a reductant, which is one of the indispensable processes for the recycling of silver-bearing wastes. Silver nitrate solution in the range of 10~120 mmole/l was used and Tamol NN8906 or PVP was also used as a dispersant in the preparation of Ag fine particles size analyze, SEM, and TEM to determine the particle size and morphology of them. As a result, the reduction reaction of silver ions with ascorbic acid reached equilibrium within 10 min. It was found that about 60% excess of ascorbic acid was required in order to reduce completely silver ions in the solution. The particle size distribution of Ag particles prepared through the reduction reaction showed typically biomodal or trimodal distribution. Especially, initial Ag concentration in the solution, the type and amount of dispersant added during the reduction reaction played an important role in determining the mean particle size of Ag particles.