For those who wish to make the larger initial investment in silver wire, a wide anode can be made from a long piece of silver wire by wrapping it in a flat spiral that lays on the bottom of the reaction vessel. Enough wire should be left unwrapped to rise vertically to the lip of the vessel. This lead should be protected from premature dissolution by running through a sleeve of Tygon tubing or other inert tubing. The flat spiral of silver wire will provide more surface area than a comparable mass of flat metal. Oxide by-products can be cleaned off with a stiff-bristled tooth brush. This type of wide anode might best be combined with thermal stirring.
Best regards, Matthew
