Silicon Synthesis

Silicon synthesis typically involves transforming silica (sand) into pure silicon through a high-temperature process called carbothermic reduction. In this process, silica is mixed with carbon materials like coke and heated to around 2,000°C in an electric arc furnace. At this temperature, silicon dioxide reacts with carbon to produce molten silicon and carbon dioxide gas. The molten silicon is then collected, purified, and solidified into ingots or wafers used for electronic devices. This process is energy-intensive but essential for creating the high-purity silicon needed in semiconductors and solar panels.