Ag Sb Research Articles

Hidden deposit exploration using the tectono-geochemistry method in the western Xicheng ore field, China

Geochemical anomalies involve complex geological and geochemical processes. Integrating metallogenic processes into the interpretation of geochemical data can promote mineral exploration. In this study, 3080 subsamples were collected from the western Xicheng ore field and combined into 1312 composite samples using the tectono-geochemistry method. Nineteen elements were analyzed for each composite sample. Factor analysis based on the CLR-transformed data yielded four factors, including the Ag–Sb–Hg–Pb–Au–(B–Ba) association of F1, Zn–Cd–Pb association of F2, Bi–Sn–(Au–As) association of F3, and W–Sn–(Cu) association of F4. Thresholds of each factor were obtained using the concentration–number (C–N) fractal model. Six targets were delineated based on the factor anomaly maps, and one Pb–Zn and two Au deposits were discovered in Targets I and II, respectively. These discoveries and the good spatial correspondence between known deposits and anomalies provide compelling evidence for the effectiveness of the tectono-geochemistry method in the study area. More importantly, a model for the genetic relationship between geochemical anomalies and metallogenesis was constructed. The late tectonic-magmatic-hydrothermal transformation dominated the geochemical pattern in the study area. The degree of interaction between the Au-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluids and SEDEX-style Pb–Zn mineralizations yielded leakage halos with various elemental assemblages. In addition, W–Sn anomalies may serve as auxiliary exploration indicators for Au mineralizations.

Two-episode mineralization in the Haerdaban Pb–Zn deposit, NW China: Insights from sulfide trace elements, in situ S–Pb isotopes, and Rb–Sr geochronology

The Haerdaban Pb–Zn deposit, located in the eastern West Tianshan Orogen, hosts stratiform and vein-type mineralization within Precambrian carbonate rocks. However, there has been limited research on the distinctions and relationships between these two mineralization styles. In this study, we compared trace element distributions, fluid conditions, material sources, and mineralization ages between stratiform and vein-type mineralization and reconstructed a detailed genetic model. Two episodes and four stages of mineralization were identified, including five generations of pyrite and two generations of sphalerite. The sedimentary exhalative episode represents stratiform mineralization including Stage I pyrite–pyrrhotite layers (Py-1, Py-2a, Py-2b, and Py-3) and Stage II sphalerite–galena layers (Sph-1). The magmatic–hydrothermal episode represents vein-type mineralization including Stage III pyrite–quartz–calcite veins (Py-4) and Stage IV sphalerite–galena–quartz–calcite veins (Sph-2). LA–ICP–MS analysis of Se–Co–Ni–As–Ag–Sb–Bi contents in pyrite suggests that Py-1 to Py-3 formed under relatively low temperatures (280 ± 8 °C) and high ƒO2 sedimentary conditions. Py-4 formed under relatively high temperatures (339 ± 18 °C) and low ƒO2 hydrothermal conditions. Variations in Fe–Mn–In–Ga–Ge–Cd–Cu contents in sphalerite indicate that Sph-1 formed under relatively low temperature (211 ± 7 °C), intermediate ƒS2 (logƒS2 = −11.1 ± 0.5), and moderate pH sedimentary exhalative conditions. Sph-2 formed under relatively high temperature (292 ± 5 °C), high ƒS2 (logƒS2 = −7.4 ± 0.2), and low pH hydrothermal conditions. In situ analysis of sulfide S–Pb suggests that ore-forming materials for stratiform mineralization were primarily derived from marine sediments, while those for vein-type mineralization primarily originated from magmatic sources. Sph-1 from stratiform mineralization yielded an Rb–Sr isochron age of 719 ± 16 Ma, while Sph-2 from vein-type mineralization exhibited an Rb–Sr isochron age of 380.3 ± 7.7 Ma. Random Forest classification of trace elements in pyrite and sphalerite predicted that stratiform mineralization is of sedimentary genesis, whereas vein-type mineralization is of magmatic–hydrothermal genesis. Based on our results, we identified a two-episode mineralization history for the Haerdaban Pb–Zn deposit: Neoproterozoic syngenetic sedimentary exhalative mineralization overprinted by Devonian epigenetic magmatic–hydrothermal mineralization. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering multiple geological events in ore-forming processes and will facilitate the exploration of similar deposits in the West Tianshan Orogen.

Activity Calculation and Vacuum Separation Theoretical Research concerning Ag–Cu, Ag–Sb and Cu–Sb Binary Alloys

The Ag–Cu–Sb system is a key component of lead anode slime and boasts an exceptionally high economic recovery value. In this work, six models, including the Molecular Interaction Volume Model (MIVM), Modified Molecular Interaction Volume Model (M-MIVM), Wilson equation, Miedema model, Regular Solution Model (RSE) and Sub-Regular Solution Model (SRSE), are used to calculate the predicted values of the activity and its deviations with experimental data for binary alloys in the Ag–Cu–Sb system for the first time. The result reveals that the overall means of the average relative deviation and average standard deviation of the M-MIVM are 0.01501 and 3.97278%, respectively, which are about two to six times smaller than those of the other five models, indicating the stability and reliability of the M-MIVM. In the meantime, the predicted data of the Cu–Ag binary alloy at 1423 K, Sb–Ag binary alloy at 1250 K and Sb–Cu binary alloy at 1375 K calculated from the M-MIVM are more reliable and pass the Herington test. Then, the separation coefficient–composition (β–x), temperature–composition (T–x–y) and pressure–composition (P–x–y) of the Cu–Ag, Sb–Ag and Sb–Cu binary alloys are plotted based on the M-MIVM and vacuum theories, showing that the Cu–Ag binary alloy is relatively difficult to separate and that high temperatures or high copper contents are detrimental to obtaining high-purity silver. Meanwhile, theoretical data of the T–x–y diagram are consistent with the available experimental data. These results can guide vacuum separation experiments and industrial production concerning Ag–Cu, Ag–Sb and Cu–Sb binary alloys.

Development of pyrargyrite Ag3SbS3 absorber films through sulfurization of Ag–Sb stacks for thin-film photovoltaics

Pyrargyrite Ag3SbS3, which consists of naturally abundant and non-toxic elements, has attracted attention as a promising solar cell material. A two-stage fabrication method has been developed to synthesize Ag3SbS3 thin films through a solid-state reaction between Sb and Ag metallic layers by sulfurizing at 250–350 oC. The Ag3SbS3 film prepared at a sulfurization temperature of 250 °C contained Ag2S and Sb2S3 secondary phases with non-stoichiometric composition, distinct grain growth, a bandgap energy of 1.4 eV, and an electrical resistivity of 5.74 × 10−4 Ω cm. Through sulfurization of the stacks at 300 °C, the Ag2S and Sb2S3 secondary phases disappeared, and dominant Ag3SbS3 films were obtained with a minor AgSbS2 secondary phase. A compact and uniform near-stoichiometric Ag3SbS3 composition with large grains was obtained with an increased bandgap energy of 1.64 eV and electrical resistivity of 6.19 × 104 Ω cm. A further increase in the sulfurization temperature to 350 °C resulted in an increase in the crystallite and grain sizes of Ag3SbS3 with a decreased bandgap energy of 1.62 eV and electrical resistivity of 2.90 × 104 Ω cm. AgSbS2 remained as a minor secondary phase in this film. Thin-film solar cells prepared with the Ag3SbS3 absorber synthesized at a sulfurization temperature of 300 °C exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 473.85 mV, short-circuit current density of 1.47 mA/cm2, fill factor of 41.6 %, and an efficiency of 0.3 %. These results demonstrate that Ag3SbS3 is a potential candidate for thin-film solar cells.

Disappearance of rapid photoresponse in ultraviolet illumination of Ag–Sb–S films

The photoconduction in Ag0.5Sb0.5S films changes anomalously with the excitation energy. Although the usual instantaneous generation and recombination of photocarriers appear in the resistance of the films for the illumination at a wavelength of 633 nm, the photoresponse becomes slow with time scales of minutes when the illumination is performed at a wavelength of 280 nm. The rapid and slow phototransients are mixed for an intermediate excitation wavelength of 375 nm. In the simultaneous photoexcitation at multiple wavelengths, the response is complex instead of a superposition of the rapid and slow behaviors, indicating the mutual interaction in the photocarrier transport. The ultraviolet (UV) illumination can thereby block the rapid response that should be caused by the visible light. Moreover, the resistance can even increase during the illumination. Although the adsorption of molecules at the film surface plays an important role for the resistance, the anomalous properties are unaffected by the surface condition. They are thus suggested to be the bulk properties of the films, plausibly caused by the defects generated in the UV irradiation.

Myauchan Ore Field (Northeastern Asia), an Example of Weakly Eroded Ag–Pb–Zn Volcanoplutonic Mineralization

Abstract —The Myauchan ore field located in the Omsukchan zone of the Okhotsk–Chukotka Volcanic Belt is described. The Korennoe and Malyutka Ag–Pb–Zn ore occurrences forming this field are localized at the center of anticlinal fold of NW strike made up of Upper Triassic carbonate-terrigenous deposits intruded by stock-like bodies and dikes of Upper Cretaceous andesite, monzodiorite, granite-porphyry, and rhyolite-porphyry. Sulfide–carbonate–fluorite–quartz veins and vein–veinlet zones with arsenopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and Ag-tetrahedrite are localized both in intrusions and in terrigenous strata. The field bears As–Sb–Ag–Pb–Au–Bi–Cu–Zn–W mineralization. Study of fluid inclusions and REE and ore element patterns show that the field ores formed from chloride solutions with the participation of surface waters in hydrothermal-magmatic system under epithermal conditions. The ores were deposited from solutions with TDS = 0.5–9.0 wt.% NaCl equiv. in the temperature range 106–287 ºC. The ores containing ca. 70 ppm Ag and up to 1.2% Pb formed through boiling-off of solutions enriched in iron salts. The ores with Ag < 7 ppm and Pb ≤ 25 ppm were generated from diluted hydrothermal solutions with predominant sodium salts and potassium admixture. Mineralization of the Myauchan ore field marks the upper level of the Ag–Pb–Zn ore system similar to the Gol’tsovoe deposit.

Bulk and surface properties of liquid Ag–Cu, Ag–Sb and Cu–Sb alloys

Bulk and surface properties of liquid Ag–Cu, Ag–Sb and Cu–Sb alloys

Corrosion assessment of an Al–Li–Ni–Sb–Ag base alloy in aqueous solutions

Corrosion assessment of an Al–Li–Ni–Sb–Ag base alloy in aqueous solutions

Narrowing provenance for ancient Greek silver coins using Ag isotopes and Sb contents of potential ores

Variations of 109Ag/107Ag in silver coins and ores are particularly useful in assessing the provenance of silver bullion. Silver isotope variability results from the temperature-dependent thermodynamic fractionation of Ag isotopes among the solutions and minerals participating in ore formation. They differ from lead isotopic variations which result from the decay of uranium and thorium and reflect the geochemical properties and the tectonic age of the possible ore sources. A remarkable property of Ag isotopes is the very narrow range of isotopic variations in silver bullion used for coinage (±1×10−4) with respect to the range of ores (±1×10−3). To test the practical usefulness of the technique, we analyzed the Ag isotopic abundances of 29 ore samples from ancient mining districts in the Aegean with major and minor Ag-bearing mineralizations, and of 34 ancient Greek coins minted from the sixth to late fourth centuries BC. We distinguished two groups among the coins: a dominant population (93% of the samples) with 109Ag/107Ag consistent with literature data (ε109Ag = −1 to +1) and an isotopically lighter population (ε109Ag = −2 to −1) which we show originated from Ag-bearing mineralizations in Lavrion (Attica). We further found that sulfur (also analyzed in this study) and silver isotope compositions in Aegean ores do not correlate, a finding that we confirmed on a selection of Iberian galena samples. This shows that the genetic ore type (whether hypo, meso, or epithermal) and silver productivity are not related. Finally, we undertook chemical analysis of the Aegean ore samples and confirmed that Ag-rich ores are also Sb-rich in both Greece and Iberia.A remarkable outcome of the present Ag isotope studies of galena ores from Iberia and Greece is that silver isotope compositions can exclude, with a high degree of reliability, the majority of mines identified by lead isotope analysis as sources from which coinage silver could plausibly have been extracted and thus significantly narrow down the actual source(s). Silver isotope data on galena ores are thus a useful tool for deciding which Pb isotope data included in ore databases should be included in provenance assessment studies. Contrary to some earlier assessments, subtle silver isotope variations can occasionally help determine ore provenance within a single mining district such as Lavrion.

Microstructure evaluation and thermal properties of Ag–Sb alloys

The microstructure and thermal properties of four Ag–Sb alloys prepared using 12.1, 40.0, 43.9, and 81.1 at.% Sb have been experimentally studied in this paper. The microconstituents and compositions of the prepared samples were studied using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phase transition temperatures of the investigated alloys were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and compared with the results obtained using thermodynamic calculations. The temperature of the eutectic reaction was determined to be 484.1 °C. Thermal diffusivity measurements in the temperature range from 25 to 400 °C were performed using the xenon-flash method, followed by determination of the thermal conductivity. The temperature and composition dependence of the density, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity for the solid Ag–Sb alloys were determined. The obtained results revealed that the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity decrease upon increasing the Ag content in composition range studied due to the formation of low heat-conductive intermetallic phases.

Effects of Ag on phase transformation of Cu3Sb at high temperatures

Effects of Ag on the phase transformation of Cu3Sb were investigated through scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and high-temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Observations of Cu–Sb–Ag alloys following heat treatment at 500 °C revealed that Ag dissolved up to 11 at.% in a cubic β-Cu3Sb phase stable only at high temperatures. XRD measurements confirmed that while a transformation from the β-Cu3Sb phase to orthorhombic ε-Cu3Sb phase occurred at 440 °C in the binary system, the transformation occurred below 380 °C in the alloy containing 5% Ag, suggesting the enhanced stability of the β-Cu3Sb phase owing to Ag. Furthermore, during measurements above 420 °C on alloys with a composition consistent with that of Cu3−xAgxSb containing 8–14% Ag (i.e., x = 0.32–0.56), the formation of a new alloy phase with a hexagonal structure (a = 4.3416 Å and c = 7.6864 Å at 500 °C) was observed. The crystal structure of the new alloy phase was inferred to be of the Na3As type, which belongs to the space group P63/mmc. Based on observations of alloys with various compositions, an isothermal section of the Cu–Sb–Ag ternary phase diagram at 500 °C was constructed.

Ag rearrangement induced metal-insulator phase transition in thermoelectric MgAgSb

In recent years, materials with metal-to-insulator phase transitions have attracted great attention due to their property variations before and after the transition. As nearly all good thermoelectric materials are small band-gap semiconductors, a metal-insulator transition makes a profound difference in thermoelectric performance. Revealing the microscopic reasons for these variations is critical to understanding the structure-property relation in these materials. MgAgSb is an important thermoelectric material around room temperature, due to its high zT value and intrinsic low lattice thermal conductivity in the semiconducting α-phase. However, the thermoelectric properties of mid-temperature β-phase MgAgSb significantly deteriorate because the β-phase has no band gap. In this work, we reveal that the Ag atomic rearrangement between the two phases is the major reason responsible for the metal-insulator transition and deterioration of thermoelectric properties. In MgAgSb, there are strong interactions between Mg and Sb, as well as Ag and Sb, leading to bands of mixed character around the Fermi Level. In α-MgAgSb, the Mg–Sb bands in the conduction band minimum separate well with the bands around the valence band maximum, and form a finite band gap. Due to the Ag rearrangement and the formation of a quasi-two-dimensional structure of β-MgAgSb, the interactions among Mg–Ag–Sb atoms form multiple bands crossing the Fermi level, and realize the “two-dimensional metallization”. In addition, the structural variations in the β-phase results in higher phonon velocities and removal of additional low-frequency optical phonons as only shown in the α-phase, both of which leading to the relatively high κL of the β-phase. Our work provides new perspectives for the performance research and application of materials with metal-insulator phase transitions.

Thermodynamic properties of liquid silver–indium–antimony alloys determined from e.m.f. measurements

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of liquid Ag–Sb –In alloys were determined using solid oxide galvanic cells with zirconia electrolyte. The following galvanic cells were employed: in the temperature range from 973 to 1200 K. (I) R e + kanthal, A g x − I n y − S b ( 1 − x − y ), I n 2 O 3 / / Z r O 2 + Y 2 O 3 / / N i O , N i , P t $$\begin{array}{l}\mathrm{Re}+\text { kanthal, } \mathrm{Ag}_{x}-\mathrm{In}_{y}-\mathrm{Sb}_{(1-x-y),} \\ \mathrm{In}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3} / / \mathrm{ZrO}_{2}+\left(\mathrm{Y}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\right) / / \mathrm{NiO}, \mathrm{Ni}, \mathrm{Pt}\end{array}$$ Thermodynamic properties of the liquid phase were described by the Redlich – Kister –Muggianu formula and the phase relations in the ternary system were calculated. The results of the calculations were compared with experimental data available from different literature sources.

Influence of Sb additions on surface tension and density of Sn–Sb, Sn–Ag–Sb and Sn–Ag–Cu–Sb alloys: Experiment vs. modeling

Abstract Surface tension and density measurements by maximum bubble pressure and dilatometric techniques were carried out in an extensive range of temperature on liquid alloys close to the ternary eutectic Sn3.3Ag0.76Cu with different Sb content. It has been found that the addition of Sb to Sn, Sn–Sb, to binary eutectic Sn–Ag and to Sn3.3Ag0.76Cu decreases the surface tension and density. The values of the surface tension calculated by the Butler model and by the method based on the binary alloys surface tension data with the ternary and quaternary correction factors were compared with the experimental results. The best agreement between the measured and the calculated values was observed for the model comprising the binary data with the correction factors.

Thin‐Film Solar Cells of an Indium‐Modified Silver Antimony Sulfide Selenide Absorber Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis

Silver antimony sulfide (AgSbS2) is considered a promising photovoltaic absorber material because of its suitable bandgap, large absorption coefficient, and environmental friendliness. However, the photovoltaic performance of AgSbS2‐based solar cells is far from expectation and the applications of AgSbS2 are limited by the underdeveloped fabrication technology. Herein, an effective method is developed to improve the photovoltaic performance of devices by adding indium (In) into the Ag–Sb–S system followed by a selenization process. With the addition of In, the morphology uniformity and the crystallinity of the films are simultaneously improved due to the diminished defects such as pinholes and cracks, leading to a better heterojunction interface between Ag1−x In2x Sb1−x S y Se2−y and CdS. The Hall effect measurements demonstrate that the carrier concentration of the films effectively increases to 8.16 × 1014 cm−3 on adding In. The optical characterization suggests that In addition significantly enhances the optical absorption and broadens the absorption wavelength range. Furthermore, the conduction band offset between the absorber and the buffer layer is substantially reduced by adding In, which lessens the carrier recombination at the interface, increasing the carriers transport efficiency. The power conversion efficiency of the Ag1−x In2x Sb1−x S y Se2−y device is largely improved from 0.74% (In/Sb = 0) to 1.98% (In/Sb = 0.47).

Ore-Bearing Magmatic Systems with Complex Sn–Au–Ag Mineralization in the North-Eastern Verkhoyansk–Kolyma Orogenic Belt, Russia

This paper reports the results of a study of magmatic rocks with Sn–W–Au–Ag mineralization from the Kuranakh, Elikchan, and Istekh ore fields in the Northern batholith belt of the north-eastern Verkhoyansk–Kolyma orogenic belt in Eastern Russia. Using petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic methods, we determined the mineral compositions, petrochemistry, and geochemistry of magmatic rocks, the P–T conditions of their generation and crystallization, and their geodynamic affinity. The studied magmatic rocks have common geochemical characteristics that likely reflect the influence of fluids supplied from a long-lived, deep-seated mantle source. The ore fields are characterized by Sn–W–Au–Ag–Pb polygenetic mineralization. The magmatic and metallogenic evolution comprised five stages for the formation of magmatic rocks and ores. During the first stage (Berriasian–Barremian), arc-related magmatic rocks formed in an active continental margin setting and were associated with Au–Ag mineralization. The second, third, and fourth stages (Aptian–Campanian) took place in a crustal extension and rift setting, and were accompanied by Au–Ag and Sn–W mineralization. During the fifth (post-magmatic) stage, Sn–Ag–Sb and Pb–Ag mineralization occurred.

Thermodynamic Study of the Ag–Sb–Se System by the EMF Method with Ag4RbI5 Solid Electrolyte

Thermodynamic Study of the Ag–Sb–Se System by the EMF Method with Ag4RbI5 Solid Electrolyte

Index Minerals of the Hydrothermal Arsenide Process of the Formation of Cobalt Deposits of the Bou Offro–El Graara Ore Belt in the Anti-Atlas Province, Morocco

The distribution of index minerals of the hydrothermal arsenide process of the formation of Ni‒Co–As (±U–Ag), Co–S–As (±Au–W), and Cu–Co–As (±Sb–Ag) quartz–carbonate veins of deposits of the Bou Offro–El Graara ore belt (Morocco) are discussed. The Co arsenide objects of the Bou Azzer ore cluster with typical low-temperature Ni–Co–As (U–Ag) deposits of the five-element hydrothermal type are of special interest: El Jir, Mechoui, Tarouni, Central and East Bou Azzer, Aghbar, Tamdrost, etc. The ores of most of the studied deposits are strongly enriched in Co relative to Ni (Co/Ni ratio = 10/1), have high grades of Au (up to 100 g/t) and Mo (up to 0.1%) with relatively low Ag, Ni, and U contents. Based on the analysis of the interrelations of ore and gangue minerals, the sequence of the formation of mineral assemblages is identified and their mineralogical–geochemical zonation is studied. The range of the most favorable physicochemical parameters of ore deposition is determined from the fluid inclusions in the gangue minerals. The indicative role of mineralogical–geochemical features of ore assemblages is shown for the forecast and survey of blind ore bodies.

“Invisible” Gold in Pyrite and Arsenopyrite from The Pavlik Deposit (Northeastern Russia)

The first study on the distribution pattern and features of the “invisible” gold concentration in pyrite and arsenopyrite was carried out for a typical gold–quartz deposit of the Kolyma region. It was established that the main concentrator of “invisible” gold on the Pavlik deposit is the Late Arsenian pyrite-2. The method of Laser Ablation-Inductivity Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) gives an Au content up to 478 g/t; the Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA) gives up to 570 g/t by. The As content, determined by LA-ICP-MS is up to 4.1 wt % and up to 3.4 wt % by EMPA. Pyrite-2 overgrows and replaces the early pyrite-1 with a reduced content of As and Au. Microinclusions of the Pb–Zn–Cu–Sb–Ag–Bi–containing phases are concentrated at the boundaries of the pyrite-1 and pyrite-2 blocks. Pyrite-2 is depleted by an order in Cu, Zn, Ag, Sb, Pb, and Bi in comparison with pyrite-1. The max Au/As molar ratio in pyrite-2 is 0.006, which suggests the presence of Au in the form of a solid solution. In another case, pyrite, depleted by trace elements, is cemented with As, Ag, Sb, Au, and Pb-rich marcasite with native gold. In arsenopyrite, there is a homogeneous distribution of gold at low concentrations (up to 3 g/t) in euhedral crystals and a heterogeneous distribution (up to 7 g/t) in deformed fissured grains.

Ag–Sb/Cu interfacial reactions and Ag–Cu–Sb phase equilibria

Ag–Sb alloys are promising materials in joining applications and Cu is frequently encountered in electronic and thermoelectric devices. This study examines the Ag-41.0 at%Sb/Cu interfacial reactions and the phase equilibria isothermal sections of Ag–Cu–Sb at 300 °C and 500 °C. The Ag–Sb eutectic is reexamined and is at Ag-42.0 at%Sb and at 484.5 °C. No ternary compound is observed in the Ag–Cu–Sb system. It is found the ternary solubilities in the binary compounds in the Ag–Cu–Sb system are not significant. The highest is 4.7 at.% Cu in the Ag7Sb compound. Two reaction phases, Cu2Sb and Ag3Sb, are formed in the Ag–Sb/Cu couples reacted at 300 °C. Three reaction phases, Cu2Sb, Cu3Sb and Ag3Sb, are formed in the Ag–Sb/Cu couples reacted at 500 °C. The reaction rate in the couples reacted at 500 °C is very fast, and the reaction layer is 89 μm thick in the couple reacted for 4 min.