Silver chloride conversion issues

[Thomacus]

There is the sulfuric acid and iron conversion method.
The secret for both methods working good, is well washed silver chloride.

I funny you talk about conversion method.
I found this book and it talk about those method
I am sure some of you have this or read it
Applied Inorganic Analysis, There a lot of good reading in this book
It's an old book but very easy reading

 

[4metals]

Applied Inorganic Analysis. by Hillebrand it is an older book and hard to find, unless you are looking at my bookshelf. But a worthwhile book if you can find it.

 

[evanJ]

The chlorides can be tumbled in a 10% sulfuric acid solution with a few iron nails. As the iron contacts the chlorides they will reduce to metallic Silver.

Can you do this instead of the lye + sugar method? Or in addition, to make sure nothing is left behind?

 

[4metals]

Yes it can be used instead of the lye and sugar. Another way to do the same process on a smaller scale is to use a cast iron frying pan. It has to be clean or new and never plan on using it again to cook. Put the 10% sulfuric acid in the pan, add the chlorides and use a plastic spatula to move the chlorides around. The iron from the pan slowly dissolves and the Silver Chloride is reduced to metallic Silver and the iron becomes iron chloride in solution. Basically a chlorine swap. And it is easy to see when the conversion is complete.

The frying pan is slowly dissolving so in time you will notice it is getting very light, be careful because when it gets too thin it is easy to rip a hole in the pan with a spatula.

But the old work eroded frying pan isn't dead yet. It is used as a source of iron in cementing your waste as described in the waste treatment thread.

 

[evanJ]

But the old work eroded frying pan isn't dead yet. It is used as a source of iron in cementing your waste as described in the waste treatment thread.

This is brilliant! I have an old cast-iron pan that was enameled - the enamel started to chip but I was too sad to throw it away so it's just been sitting on a shelf. I'll chip off the rest of the enamel on the bottom but keep it on the walls, and that way I'll have a splash-proof setup!
Now I'm actually excited to process the silver chloride.

 

[4metals]

I have an old cast-iron pan that was enameled - the enamel started to chip but I was too sad to throw it away so it's just been sitting on a shelf.

Just remember the enamel surface will not react so you have to be certain you have removed all of the enamel from the bottom of the pan. I actually sand blasted an old enameled cast iron pan to get down to the iron years back. Good idea leaving the enamel on the side walls for splash proof sidewalls.