Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Activate 10% Agno3 on Silica Gel

A mixture of silica gel and a 10 percent solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3) is a commonly used sorbent in gas chromatography applications. When properly prepared, a sorbent plate will cause the components of chemical mixtures to separate as they move through the sorbent material. It is easy to mix in a basic lab setting, and can be applied to standard gel plates. This solution is relatively stable before activation, and can be prepared and stored in advance. However, you will need to heat-activate the plates when they are ready for use.

Things You'll Need

Silver nitrate
Distilled water
Stirring rods
Safety goggles
Chemical-resistant gloves
TLC silica gel powder
Gel plates
Spreading spatula
Oven

Instructions

- 1
  Stir 10 grams of silver nitrate into 50 milliliters of distilled water using a stirring rod until the silver nitrate is completely dissolved. You should always wear safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves when handling silver nitrate.
- 2
  Stir 20 grams of TLC silica gel powder into the solution. Stir slowly and smoothly with a stirring rod to remove all air bubbles from the solution.
- 3
  Coat the gel plates with the solution using a spatula-type gel spreader.
- 4
  Allow the plates to dry at room temperature for two hours in a dark, protected area.
- 5
  Heat the coated plates to 110 degrees Celsius for one hour to activate the plates.

Science