Effect of water pre-activation on the activity of silver-containing colloidal solutions

Abstract

Silver has long been used for disinfection, water and food neutralization, and medicinal applications. The introduction of metallic micro- dispersed and nano-dispersed forms of silver, such as nullvalent and cluster silver, marks a significant advancement in the market. These  modern formulations offer high efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to traditional cationic silver, addressing critical health concerns  with innovative approaches. However, their limited shelf life due to silver's photosensitivity poses ongoing challenges. Enhancing the  stability and longevity of these silver-based preparations is crucial, with substantial implications for public health and safety. This study  explored the effect of various water activation methods on the activity of silver-containing colloidal solutions. Activation involved short- term microwave exposure and the extraction of molecular carbon (fullerene) from shungite. The findings revealed that microwave- treated water accelerates the degradation of cationic silver preparations, while fullerene-treated water stabilizes them effectively. The  experiments demonstrated that these methods could significantly enhance the practical effectiveness and shelf life of colloidal solutions,  offering controlled improvements in stability for practical and production use.