How do you extract silver from silver nitrate?

Answer 1

Dissolve the silver nitrate in water (a one molar solution [17 grams per litre of water] is best). There are two paths: pure metal substitution or complex ion replacement.

Pure metal: Place a more active metal (such as copper wire or aluminum foil) in the silver nitrate solution and let the oxidation-reduction reaction occur. The more active metal will replace the silver in solution, causing the silver to crystilize on the new material.

Complex ion replacement: Add ammonia to the silver nitrate solution in a 1:3 ratio. Stir until the precipitate redissolves. Add about 5 more millilitres of ammonia. This is known as the Tollen's Reagent. Add a dilute solution of glucose to the Tollen's Reagent and heat in a 70 degree celsius water bath. A mirror will form on the inside of whatever container you used (this can be scrapped off, and is slightly more pure than the metal replacement).

~James