Using the reactions of contact metal reduction in aqueous solutions to produce silver sols

The process of the contact reduction of silver ions in solutions containing a water-soluble polymer was investigated. Filamentary-fibrous silver macrostructures were shown to form early in the reaction. The silver particles are dispersed in the course of time by the action of the water-soluble polymer, and a colored sol is formed. Optical properties of the sols, the shape and the sizes of the silver particles were investigated in relation to the nature of the reductant metals and the water-soluble polymers used, pH, stirring, solution temperature, ultrasound treatment.