Silicon metal, a cornerstone of the high-tech industry, has evolved significantly since its emergence in the 1960s alongside the burgeoning semiconductor industry. This versatile element, with its myriad of uses ranging from aluminum alloys to the heart of electronic devices, is a testament to human ingenuity in material science. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of silicon metal, exploring its production methods, applications, and the industry's future amidst energy conservation and new energy development.
Silicon metal, also known as industrial silicon, has been a critical commodity since the 1960s, closely linked to the rise of the semiconductor industry. The global market categorizes silicon products into two main types: metal silicon and semiconductor silicon. Metal silicon, with a silicon content of about 98% and sometimes as high as 99.99%, is produced by smelting quartz and coke in an electric heating furnace. The remaining impurities typically include iron, aluminum, and calcium. Semiconductor silicon, on the other hand, is a high-purity form of silicon metal used in semiconductor devices. It is available in polycrystalline and single-crystal forms, with the former being more affordable and the latter more costly due to its specialized applications.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global silicon metal market size was valued at USD 6.3 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2020 to 2027. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for aluminum-silicon alloys in the automotive industry and the expanding production of silicones for the construction sector.
Silicon metal's versatility allows it to be used in various industries. As of 1985, the world's total consumption of silicon metal was about 500,000 tons. Approximately 60% of this was used in aluminum alloys, less than 30% in silicones, about 3% in semiconductors, with the remainder being utilized in steel smelting and precision ceramics. These figures have undoubtedly evolved with the growth of the tech industry and the increasing use of silicon in photovoltaic cells for solar energy.
The smelting of silicon metal is an energy-intensive process. It begins with the reduction of silica in an electric furnace using carbon. The resulting silicon typically has a purity of 97-98%. Further melting and crystallization, followed by acid leaching, can increase the purity to 99.7-99.8%. Silicon metal shares similar properties with its elemental form, existing as both amorphous silicon powder and crystalline silicon. The amorphous form is a dark gray powder, essentially a microcrystal, while crystalline silicon has a diamond-like structure and semiconductor properties.
China has been a longstanding producer of silicon metal. However, with the country's tightening energy policies and a push for energy savings, emission reductions, and new energy development, the smelting of metal silicon has become a primary product and technology. The construction of an industrial chain encompassing metal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, and solar cells is poised to significantly influence the fields of energy and new energy applications in the coming years.
The silicon metal industry is at the forefront of the new energy revolution, with its products being essential for the production of solar cells. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is expected to set new records for deployment each year after 2022, with annual additions reaching 162 GW by 2025. This growth underscores the critical role of high-purity silicon in the global transition to renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, silicon metal is a material of paramount importance in modern technology, with a wide array of applications and a complex production process. As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy solutions, the role of silicon metal in the new energy landscape will undoubtedly expand, driving innovation and growth in this dynamic industry.
The application of tungsten in various industries
Steel Industry Most of tungsten applied in the production of special steels. The widely used high-speed steel was containing 9-24% of tungsten, 3.8-4.6% of chromium, 1-5% of vanadium, 4-7% of cobalt, 0.7-1.5% of carbon.
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Exploring the Potentials of Nano-Aluminum Powder
Nano-aluminum powder, a material with remarkable properties due to its minuscule particle size, is revolutionizing various industries with its high reactivity and large specific surface area. Unlike its bulk counterpart, nano-aluminum powder begins to oxidize at a lower temperature of 550°C, compared to the 950°C oxidation point of ordinary aluminum. This lower ignition energy and full combustion without apparent cohesion make it a superior choice for applications requiring high energy and efficiency. The unique characteristics of nano-aluminum powder, such as faster burning rates and greater heat release, are largely influenced by its synthesis method, which determines its particle size, surface area, and shape.
