Hi Ode, Thanks so much for your in depth reply. It really helps.
So, would it make sense to lower the current density slowly and proportionately during the last half of the process (as the solution approaches saturation equilibrium), in an effort to minimize the colloidal particle size while still reaching for a higher PPM? My logic here is that the first half of the LVDC process is occurring in distilled water that is highly solvent and is readily accepting new ions (with less risk of amalgamation.) We can watch the conductivity increasing up until we reach our predetermined maximum current density (~1mA/sq.in) At this point, we limit the current density and the solution begins to equilibrate. The solution is no longer highly solvent, and as it reaches saturation it begins to 'push back' by forcing ions into particulate forms. I know the Ag particles are going to amalgamate regardless, but it would seem that the last half of the process is where careful moderation of current density would have the greatest influence on particle size. Seeking higher PPM concentrations (~20+ PPM), I am curious to know if steadily reducing current density (towards the end) would allow the Ag colloidal particles to form more steadily and evenly, under less 'pressure' to amalgamate. As opposed to a 'constant current' up through the end, it would seem logical to have a more 'bell shaped' current density curve (where current is low in the beginning due to a lack of conductivity, peaking in the middle as we reach the desired current density, and then slowly lowered again towards the end as the over saturated solution equilibrates.) Thanks again for your help and clarification, Shane -----Original Message----- From: Ode Coyote [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 8:10 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: CS>LVDC 'constant current' and the ionic saturation point >When running a batch at a constant current, the voltage steadily decreases >and the electrical conductivity of the solution increases (at a slower and >slower rate) over time. ## It increases at a constant rate with a constant current..up to the saturation point. Past the saturation point the silver entering the water remains at a constant rate, but is forced into non conductive particulate forms... a process that takes more time than the production of the ions that make those particles...so..while it appears that conductivity rise is slowing, no silver emission rates have changed and the solution can remain oversaturated for quite some time >Is the process finished once this saturation point is reached? Or does >continued electrolysis convert a percentage of the ionic Ag solution into >colloidal Ag particles? > ## It's not the electrolysis that oxidixes [or otherise reacts] ions, but the over saturation making the ions need to find something to react with so they can crystalize out of solution...and they will use whatever is around to use... like contaminants in the water or gasses in the air or dissolved in the water producing a variety of silver compounds...or electrons on *liquid to surface* interfaces to make *pure metallic* silver colloids. Ode -- The Silver List is a moderated forum for discussing Colloidal Silver. Rules and Instructions: http://www.silverlist.org Unsubscribe: <mailto:[email protected]?subject=unsubscribe> Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html Off-Topic discussions: <mailto:[email protected]> List Owner: Mike Devour <mailto:[email protected]>
