Traces of Cadmium Modulate the Morphology of Silver Crystals Produced from the Controlled Cooling of a Primary Lead Melt
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This work probes the possibility of controlling the morphology of silver crystals through inoculation of trace-level metallic species, building on an industrial-scale cooling process. The obtained crystals are analyzed via X-ray tomography (XRT), dynamic picture analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal assemblages composed of octahedral crystals and triangular platelets. X-ray tomography yields pore size distributions that correlate with Ag% composition. Out of several trace metals tested, cadmium was found to yield a greater number of octahedral morphologies with pronounced twinning, contributing to a fibrous structure. This behavior is consistent with the energetic preference of cadmium atoms to integrate on Ag (111) planes and the limitation of twinning to the (111) planes in FCC metals. Faceting of the interiors of the triangular facets of octahedral crystals is noted in all SEM images of acid-washed samples. These physical features are interpreted as a product of crystal growth and not selective acid etching. The generation of octahedral silver crystals from a molten melt and the presence of faceting are research firsts, such crystal morphologies being previously generated only from aqueous chemical reduction systems. Adding traces of cadmium to primary lead melts is promising for producing silver nanocrystals with desired morphologies.
Source: Minerals
DOI: 10.3390/min15080853
Authors: Steven King, Alberto Striolo, Paul F. Wilson, Geoff West, Mark A. Williams, Michael Piller
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Award: G7963922
OpenAlex ID: W4413128012