CAS · 7440-21-3
Product Overview
Silicon is a high-purity solar-energy-materials supplied for industrial and specialty chemical applications. Contact our team for specifications, packaging options and lead times.
Product Specifications
| Appearance: | Brown yellow powder |
|---|---|
| Purity: | 99.99% min |
| Particle size(D50): | 0.08~0.12μm |
| Tap density: | 0.07g/cm3 min |
| Metal element content(Zn+Fe+Al+Ni+Co): | 0.1ppm max |
Applications
1. Electronics & Semiconductors
Primary use: As a semiconductor material in integrated circuits (ICs), transistors, diodes, and microchips.
Why silicon? It forms a stable native oxide (SiO₂), crucial for making field-effect transistors (FETs).
Forms used: Single-crystal silicon wafers (monocrystalline), doped with elements like boron or phosphorus.
Key sectors:
Consumer electronics
Telecommunication devices
Automotive electronics
Industrial automation
2. Photovoltaics (Solar Cells)
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon are used to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Silicon solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Benefits in solar:
High efficiency
Long-term durability
Low toxicity compared to alternatives like cadmium telluride
Growing demand in the transition to renewable energy has made solar-grade silicon a high-priority material globally.
3. Metallurgy (Alloying Agent)
Silicon is widely used as an alloying element in steel, cast iron, and aluminum:
Improves strength and corrosion resistance
Acts as a deoxidizer in steelmaking
Enhances castability and wear resistance in aluminum alloys
Common alloys:
Ferrosilicon (FeSi)
Aluminum-silicon alloys (e.g., used in automotive parts)
4. Silicones and Organosilicon Compounds
Used to synthesize silicones, which are polymers of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with organic side groups.
Applications:
Sealants, adhesives
Medical implants
Lubricants, greases
Water-repellent coatings
Why silicon is essential: It forms strong, flexible Si–O bonds that are chemically inert, heat resistant, and biocompatible.
5. Ceramics and Glass Manufacturing
Silica (SiO₂), derived from silicon, is a critical raw material for:
Glass production (e.g., borosilicate, soda-lime)
Ceramics, including tiles, refractories, and spark plugs
Fiberglass and optical fibers
6. Lithium-Ion Batteries (Next-Gen Anodes)
Silicon is being developed as an alternative anode material to graphite in lithium-ion batteries due to its:
Extremely high theoretical capacity (10x that of graphite)
Potential to boost energy density of EV and portable batteries
Challenges include volume expansion during charge/discharge, but research is advancing rapidly.
7. Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
Silicon is also used in MEMS devices, such as sensors and actuators for:
Automotive airbag sensors
Pressure sensors
Accelerometers in smartphones and gaming devices
Benefits
✅ Semiconducting Properties
Silicon's bandgap (1.1 eV) and stability make it ideal for controlling electrical currents in microchips and transistors.
✅ High Thermal and Mechanical Stability
Resists high temperatures and corrosion, ensuring durability in demanding industrial and electronic environments.
✅ Abundant and Economical
Readily available from quartz (SiO₂) and cost-effective, especially compared to germanium or gallium arsenide in electronics.
✅ Versatile Chemistry
Can form oxides, hydrides, carbides, and organosilicon compounds, enabling diverse industrial applications from coatings to biomedicine.
✅ Photovoltaic Efficiency
Silicon-based solar panels offer long-term performance, scalability, and high conversion efficiency.
✅ Lightweight Alloying Agent
When used in metal alloys, silicon improves strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and processability.
Conclusion
Silicon (CAS 7440-21-3) is a foundational element of modern technology and industry. From microprocessors and solar cells to alloys and advanced coatings, it enables innovation across electronics, renewable energy, materials science, and manufacturing. Its unique combination of electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties makes it indispensable in both traditional and cutting-edge applications.
Previous
Next