Thermodynamic approach to synthesis of silver nanocrystalline by mechanical milling silver oxide

Thermodynamic analysis of the possibility of silver nanocrystalline preparation by high energy milling silver oxide was investigated. The molar Gibbs free energy function of mechanically activated samples was calculated from the structural defects such as amorphization, dislocation and surface energy. According to the molar Gibbs free energy function, the equilibrium temperature of mechanical reduction of silver oxide milled for 21 h was estimated at about 304 K. Consequently, at this temperature silver oxide cannot be stable and will transform to silver during the milling.