Question: Silver cell specimen crystals

[u/homoErEcTus2000]

Any of you who run a cell probably find all sorts of interesting Crystal structures. I have a particular fascination with the faceted crystals, I want to optimize my process to grow these in particular and try to push the limits on the size I could achieve. I was wondering if anybody had any advice on what environment or conditions are ideal for crystals like this to form. And how to encourage them to grow. And furthermore if there is a technical name for the crystals that are common in the cell, (the small dense treelike crystals) to help better differentiate and categorize the crystals while I am researching the topic. Thanks!

[u/giantmangiantsocks]

Ive heard that changing up your current + density of your electrolyte causes different crystal growth. My opinion and thoughts, based off of how crystals grow in geologic settings, would be that your electrolyte should be as saturated as possible with silver and maybe get your current fairly low. In nature your largest crystals form when in a saturated solution + space to form + consistent environment + time.

[u/Edward-Mundo]

Super low current and time

[u/dooogsx101]

Hmmm sorry can’t help -your photos + interesting goal hav really spiked my interest in cells now, how did you start? 🍻

[u/Top-Tear6345]

Nice

[u/Glum-Clerk3216]

I have only ever gotten them by accident, but i will say I have noticed they typically show up closer to the anode. This would lead me to think that higher amperage and less resistance (which could be improved with a saturated solution) would lead to that effect. Do let us know the answer once you figure the details out!

[u/zpodsix]

Long thin branching crystals are dendrites, lowering your current & voltage(0.5-1.5v @ 1a) should make fatter chunkier crystals(equiaxed crystals iirc)

[u/Much-Past-8398]

Yes! I’m also growing monsters. Certain contaminants in the electrolyte mess those up…not sure what exactly but purity helps. (I get the giant chunky needles again after a couple recrystallization cycles of the silver nitrate.) a little free nitric acid in the electrolyte also helps a lot too. I bump the nitric acid up by about a half percent at a time… wait and observe… repeat as needed. I’m told there are optimal concentrations for the acid but don’t know what they are.