Formation of highly dispersed silver at the reduction of Ag+ ions in aqueous solutions

Aqueous highly dispersed colloid solution of metallic silver was prepared by the reduction of AgNO₃ with NaBH₄. Stabilization of silver sol was achieved by the addition of sodium trimethaphosphate, polyvinyl alcohol and a number of nitrogen- and sulphur-containing surfactants. Formation of silver particles in a polymer matrix on the base of PVA preventing oxidation and coagulation of particles during the initial stage of the reduction led to the production of low-atom silver cluster.