Synthesis and properties of sol-gel derived AgClxBr1-x colloid containing sodium alumo borosilicate glasses

Abstract

AgCl/AgBr crystallites with diameters of about 40 nm were synthesized within a sodium alumo borosilicate glass matrix by the sol-gel process. Ag was introduced into the sol through the addition of an ethanolic AgNo3 solution. After gelation, AgClxBr1-x was generated by treating the gel with NaCl and CuBr solutions. The gel can be densified to a glassy powder that shows a darkening effect with a saturation behaviour after UV irradiation and recovers at elevated temperatures (>= 150°C). The best recovery kinetics were obtained for a silver halide content of about 12 µmole/g.