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U.S. Seeks New Way to Produce Crystalline Silicon at Low Temperature
Researchers from the University of Michigan announced on January 24th that they have developed an innovative method to produce crystalline silicon at much lower temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing computers and solar cells.
Silica makes up roughly 40% of the Earth’s crust, but turning it into crystalline silicon through traditional industrial methods is both expensive and environmentally damaging. The current process involves high-energy chemical reactions at temperatures exceeding 2000°F (about 1093°C), which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide.
Professor Stephen Maldonado, a chemist and applied physicist at the university, explained that the new technique mimics a common kitchen observation: when sugar water becomes supersaturated, it naturally forms crystals. The research team used this principle by replacing water with liquid metal and sugar with silicon.
In their experiment, the team dissolved silicon tetrachloride in a liquid metal solution, allowing electrons from the metal to convert it into raw silicon. This silicon then dissolves into the liquid metal, where it crystallizes. Liquid metal plays a crucial role here—while many solid metals can supply the necessary electrons, only certain metals like antimony can do so without requiring additional heat, making the process more energy-efficient.
The resulting silicon crystals are extremely thin, measuring just 1/2000 mm in diameter. Maldonado is now working on scaling up the process to produce larger crystals for use in photovoltaic systems or energy storage applications. His team is also exploring other low-melting-point metal alloys to further refine the method.
If this approach proves scalable, it could revolutionize the solar energy industry, as crystalline silicon remains the most widely used material in solar panels. While the exact cost savings are still being evaluated, the potential for low-cost, eco-friendly production is promising. Researchers are also investigating ways to directly convert silica into crystalline silicon in a single step, which could lead to even greater advancements in the future. (Reporter: Mao Li, Wang Xiaolong)