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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 a groundbreaking method for producing crystalline silicon at low temperatures. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing computers and solar cells.
Silica, which makes up about 40% of the Earth's crust, is commonly used as a raw material for producing crystalline silicon. However, traditional industrial methods are not only expensive but also require extreme heat, leading to substantial carbon emissions and environmental damage. According to Stephen Maldonado, a professor of chemistry and applied physics at the university, modern electronic devices rely on crystalline silicon produced through high-energy chemical reactions at temperatures exceeding 2000°F (about 1093°C). These processes generate large amounts of carbon dioxide, raising serious environmental concerns.
In a recent breakthrough, Maldonado’s research team discovered a way to produce silicon crystals at just 180°F (82°C). Their approach was inspired by a common kitchen observation: when a sugar solution becomes supersaturated, it naturally forms crystals. The team adapted this principle by using liquid metal instead of water and silicon in place of sugar.
The process involves dissolving silicon tetrachloride into liquid metal electrodes. Electrons from the base metal help convert the compound into raw silicon, which then dissolves into the liquid metal. Liquid metal plays a crucial role in this new method. While many solid metals can provide the necessary electrons, only certain materials like antimony can do so without additional heat, and they also help facilitate crystal formation.
The resulting crystalline silicon appears as a thin dark film, measuring just 1/2000 mm in diameter. Maldonado aims to scale up the process to produce larger silicon crystals, which could be used for photovoltaic applications or energy storage. The team is currently studying various factors in their new production method, including the use of different low-melting-point metal alloys.
If this technique proves viable, it could revolutionize the solar energy industry, where crystalline silicon remains the most widely used material. Although the high cost of silicon has driven many researchers to explore alternative semiconductors, Maldonado believes this new method offers promising potential for large-scale, low-cost, and eco-friendly silicon production. The team is also investigating other approaches, with the long-term goal of achieving a one-step conversion of silica into crystalline silicon. (Reporter: Mao Li, Wang Xiaolong)