About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Thermodynamics for Sustainability: An EPD Symposium in Honor of Kazuki Morita
|
| Presentation Title |
Using Czocrhalski as a method for refining of silicon |
| Author(s) |
Eivind Johannes Ovrelid, Gabriella Tranell, Maria Wallin, Katarina Jakovlevic, Nagarajan Somi Ganesan, Debora Foppiano, Casper Van der Eijk |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Eivind Johannes Ovrelid |
| Abstract Scope |
High-purity silicon is a critical material for photovoltaic and semiconductor applications, where even trace impurities can significantly impact device performance. This study explores the potential of directional solidification using a Czochralski (CZ) crystal puller as a method for refining metallurgical-grade silicon. The process leverages impurity segregation at the solid-liquid interface under controlled thermal gradients to reduce concentrations of metallic contaminants. Experimental trials were conducted using a standard CZ setup, with process parameters such as pull rate, rotation speed, and thermal profile systematically varied. Post-solidification analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed substantial reductions in key impurities, including Fe, Al, and Ti. The results demonstrate that directional solidification via the CZ method can achieve impurity levels approaching those required for solar-grade silicon. This work highlights the viability of adapting CZ technology for silicon refining, offering a pathway toward more sustainable and cost-effective production of high-purity silicon. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Recycling and Secondary Recovery, Solidification, Modeling and Simulation |