Atmospheric Corrosion of Silver and Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Even though it is a noble metal, silver will corrode in ambient atmospheres, predominantly by reacting with sulfur-containing gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbonyl sulfide (OCS) to form the silver sulfide (Ag2S) acanthite. Other aspects of the environment, such as relative humidity and the presence of oxidizing species, also play a critical role. With the emergence of silver nanoparticles for a range of technological and medical applications, there has been a revival of interest in the corrosion behavior of this important metal. This article reviews the current understanding of the atmospheric corrosion of silver in both the bulk and nanoparticle forms. Gaps in our current understanding and areas for future investigation are identified.