Hazards
Silver nitrate is corrosive, causing burns in contact with
the skin and eyes. Sodium borohydride is flammable and
toxic. The dilute aqueous solutions of silver nitrate (1.0 mM)
and sodium borohydride (2.0 mM) can be made available
for the students who need not handle either of the solids.
Labeled waste containers should be made available for any
waste colloidal silver and unused borohydride solution (which
must be freshly made every day).