Uses of Silver Oxide
A chemical compound, silver oxide
(Ag2O) is a fine,
dry powder with a characteristic brownish-black color and is used in the
preparation of other silver compounds. It is a three-dimensional polymer and is
not readily soluble in most solvents. Although, Ag2O hydrolyses only slightly in water, it imparts the water a
distinctive metallic taste. However, silver oxide is soluble in dilute nitric
acid and is easily attacked by acids. Like other silver compounds,
silver oxide is not light sensitive and decomposes at temperatures above 280
degree C.
Uses of Silver Oxide
As laboratory reagent
Silver oxide is used as a reagent
in a number of laboratory reactions to form various compounds. It dissolves in
ammonium hydroxide solutions to give soluble derivatives. Also, silver oxide
reacts with alkali chloride solutions to yield alkali hydroxide. Ag2O
is often employed in the synthesis of transition metal-carbene complexes
(silver oxide readily reacts with ligand precursors to form the corresponding
complexes).
Silver oxide is very effective in
removing (or scrubbing) carbon dioxide from humidified air (humidity greater
than 25%). This property is extensively used in space missions (by nuclear
submarines, international space station and space shuttle). Silver oxide reacts with carbon dioxide in the
presence of water to generate silver carbonate. Further, it is capable of
regenerating all the sorbed CO2 by prolonged heating which enables each
canister to be recycled about 60 times.
In pollution control filters
Silver oxide is also used in the
manufacture of filters for gas sensors. This filter helps in increasing the
efficiency of chlorine dioxide detectors to free the gas stream from hydrogen
sulfides without producing any unwanted compounds.
To make silver powder
Silver oxide acts as a catalyst
in the preparation of silver powder. If heated above 280 degree C, silver oxide
gets converted into silver powder, thereby releasing oxygen.
Silver
oxide and zinc form the main constituents of a silver oxide battery (or silver
–zinc battery). While silver oxide acts as the positive electrode (cathode),
zinc behaves as the negative electrode (anode). Unlike its competitor
counterparts, a silver oxide battery has higher durability, can handle higher
current loads, inflammable and is free from thermal runaways. Such batteries
are used in electronic devices and US military and Apollo space program.
As an antimicrobial agent
Silver oxide has enhanced antimicrobial
properties and is often used in the manufacture of some infection-resistant
surgical fabric materials as well as fibrous textile articles. It is also used
for concrete and in some swimming pools and spas to protect the water from
undesired microbes.
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