Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is the most abundant mineral in the earth's crust. The manufacture of the hyperpure silicon for photovoltaics occurs in two stages. The oxygen is removed to produce metallurgical grade silicon. It is further refined to produce semiconductor grade silicon.
How do you make hyperpure silicon?
Hyperpure silicon can be prepared by the thermal decomposition of ultra-pure trichlorosilane in a hydrogen atmosphere, and by a vacuum float zone process.
What is metallurgical silicon?
Metallurgical grade silicon is a crucial stepping stone in the refining process of silicon metal. It is used extensively in metallurgical industries, which work with metallic alloys. Predominantly, metallurgical grade silicon is used for aluminum casting to develop aluminum alloy products.
