Abstract: The adsorption behavior of a series of inhibitors on silver and silver bromide were investigated by using UV spectrophotometry and electrochemical techniques.In association with the sensitometric results obtained on using developers containing different inhibitors, it is concluded that high contrast caused by inhibitors can be achieved when the inhibitor moderately adsorbs on the latent image, coupled with a weak adsorption on silver bromide.The mechanism of high contrast and the adsorption properties of inhibitors on silver were also discussed.

Key words: adsorption, high contrast, inhibitor, silver electrode, silver bromide