Ambient Condition Synthesis of Ag Submicron Crystallites from AgNO₃, H₂O₂ and NH₃•H₂O

A simple and cost-effective method based on the reduction of AgNO₃ by H₂O₂ (5 vol.%) in 2.5–5 vol.% NH₃•H₂O aqueous solutions at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure was developed for the synthesis of Ag submicron crystallites. X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated that the resultant products were pure cubic phase Ag powders. Field emission scanning electronic microscopy images showed that the Ag powders synthesized in 2.5 and 5 vol.% NH₃•H₂O aqueous solutions comprised submicron crystallites with the sizes of about 355–580 and 200–650 nm, respectively. Besides, the possible formation mechanism of Ag powders in the present system was also proposed.