How can we detect metallic silver / Silver oxide using SEM Observation?
If you have an SEM machine fitted with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, sometimes called EDX) this will provide you with elemental analysis and you can detect the silver - it may not give you quantitative detection - it depends to some extent on the nature of the sample, but would give you an idea
Alternatively, if your SEM has a backscattering mode AND you know that Ag would be the only metal contaminant, then the Ag should hopefully glow brightly compared to your sample
If you have an SEM machine fitted with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, sometimes called EDX) this will provide you with elemental analysis and you can detect the silver - it may not give you quantitative detection - it depends to some extent on the nature of the sample, but would give you an idea
Alternatively, if your SEM has a backscattering mode AND you know that Ag would be the only metal contaminant, then the Ag should hopefully glow brightly compared to your sample
For silver and silver oxide the observed color would be different. Selected area energy dispersive x-ray analysis would give you the information whether it is silver or silver oxide. Backscattering will also help you showing different color distribution. Quantification is also possible from elemental analysis (saedx analysis).
Abou, I would suggest to plan your SEM analysis together with the SEM technician / supervisor / someone with decent experience on your microscope. Beside your the specific problem (Ag metal/oxide identification), the analysis will most probably be based upon:
- type of the sample (particles, film, bulk) and
- size of the individual phases (nano, micro, huge).
Based on this additional information, you can first find the appropriate method for sample preparation, and then also for qualitative / quantitative analysis.
Why such long introduction? Because some suggested methods are for instance either limited with resolution (e.g. EDS on irregularly shaped nanopowders) or even not possible on your microscope (due to lack of detectors).
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