Evaluation of selected chemical processes for production of low-cost silicon. Quarterly progress report, 15 Dec 1975--31 Mar 1976
Plant construction costs and manufacturing costs were estimmated for the production of solar-grade silicon by the reduction of silicon tetrachloride in a fluidized bed of seed particles, and several modifications of the iodide process using either thermal decomposition on heated filaments (rods) or hydrogen reduction in a fluidized bed of seed particles. Energy consumption data for the zinc reduction process and each of the iodide process options are given and all appear to be acceptable from the standpoint of energy pay back. Information is presented on the experimental zinc reduction of SiCl4 and electrolytic recovery of zinc from ZnCl2. All of the experimental work performed thus far has supported the initial assumption as to technical feasibility of producing semiconductor silicon by the zinc reduction or iodide processes proposed. The results of a more thorough thermodynamic evaluation of the iodination of silicon oxide/carbon mixtures are presented which explain apparent inconsistencies in an earlier cursory examination of the system.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NAS7-100; JPL-954339
- OSTI ID:
- 7321647
- Report Number(s):
- N-76-22545; NASA-CR-146900
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Subm-Prepared for JPL
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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