i have been processing batches of sterling silver ware with nitric acid, cementing with copper, melting into shot, then through a silver cell obtaining beautiful shiny pure crystals.
After a lot trial and error , and following all youtube videos i could find, i'm very satisfied with the results. But i have a few questions.
a) last batch of AGNO3 electrolyte i created by dissolving pure silver rounds came out a bit yellowish , is it because i used 68% Lab grade Nitric? Organic Contaminants? will that affect the Crystals purity in the cell?
b) i'm left with gallons of spent Copper Nitrate after cementing, i read that by adding Sulfuric Acid and distilling the liquid i can obtain Nitric Acid back. Anyone doing this? Is it worth it? Dangerous as Nitric is. And Sulfuric is no joke either. Working with NOx fumes isn't for the faint hearted. If someone has a SAFE system please share.
c) What is the Yield you achieve on average starting with sterling silver? I noticed i must not be very efficient yet, as 1Kg of Sterling Silverware, yields me in the end probably around 500g of pure silver.
d) I have batches of mixed powder silver/copper and probably other trace metals. If i add these to pure AGNO3 solution, shouldn't the copper dissolve into the solution (become Copper Nitrate) and leave me only with silver (and other impurities probably) but at least i can remove the copper and process the silver in a silver cell.
e) Very Important Question (as it would save me a lot of time and effort) Can i instead of melting into shot, just use the cemented silver powder in the filter bag to run my Silver Cell ? Isn't it easier for the electrolytic process dealing with smaller particles like powder instead of shot? That i did not understand.
I'd be deeply grateful for the answers , thanks !
After a lot trial and error , and following all youtube videos i could find, i'm very satisfied with the results. But i have a few questions.
a) last batch of AGNO3 electrolyte i created by dissolving pure silver rounds came out a bit yellowish , is it because i used 68% Lab grade Nitric? Organic Contaminants? will that affect the Crystals purity in the cell?
b) i'm left with gallons of spent Copper Nitrate after cementing, i read that by adding Sulfuric Acid and distilling the liquid i can obtain Nitric Acid back. Anyone doing this? Is it worth it? Dangerous as Nitric is. And Sulfuric is no joke either. Working with NOx fumes isn't for the faint hearted. If someone has a SAFE system please share.
c) What is the Yield you achieve on average starting with sterling silver? I noticed i must not be very efficient yet, as 1Kg of Sterling Silverware, yields me in the end probably around 500g of pure silver.
d) I have batches of mixed powder silver/copper and probably other trace metals. If i add these to pure AGNO3 solution, shouldn't the copper dissolve into the solution (become Copper Nitrate) and leave me only with silver (and other impurities probably) but at least i can remove the copper and process the silver in a silver cell.
e) Very Important Question (as it would save me a lot of time and effort) Can i instead of melting into shot, just use the cemented silver powder in the filter bag to run my Silver Cell ? Isn't it easier for the electrolytic process dealing with smaller particles like powder instead of shot? That i did not understand.
I'd be deeply grateful for the answers , thanks !