Black-and-white aqueous photothermographic materials containing mercaptotriazole toners

This invention relates to black-and-white aqueous-based photothermographic materials that comprise certain mercaptotriazoles as toners for improved image quality and thermal stability. The invention also relates to methods of imaging using these materials. This invention is directed to the photothermographic imaging industry. Aqueous-based photothermographic materials comprise a hydrophilic binder, preformed silver halides, an organic silver salt other than a silver carboxylate, a reducing agent composition, and one or more mercaptotriazoles as toners in one or more thermally developable imaging layers. These layers have a pH less than 7. These photothermographic materials can be used in combination with phosphor intensifying screens for radiographic imaging.