CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF SILVER METAL LIQUID-LIKE FILMS

This is an investigation of the influence of a variety of chemical factors on the production and stabilization of silver metal liquid-like films (MELLFs). We discuss the effect of the reductant, the organic phase, the additives, the temperature, illumination conditions, and the presence of oxygen. We find that the silver MELLFs are sensitive to most of these factors, but generally not excessively so. Thus, one can find a wide range of experimental conditions under which silver MELLFs are formed and are stable. We discuss silver MELLFs in terms of the role of the organic solvents and their chemical and physical properties. The additives that are required to produce a MELLF are investigated with a focus on their affinity toward producing silver compounds and their structural properties. © 1991.