Method and apparatus for producing silicon

Abstract

An apparatus for producing pure silicon from an electrolyte including a first crucible for receiving the electrolyte, a heat source for heating the electrolyte in the first crucible to form a molten electrolyte, an anode and a cathode which are adapted for electrical/ionic communication with the molten electrolyte wherein electrolysis is able to be applied to the molten electrolyte when a potential difference is provided between the anode and the cathode. A stirring device is adapted for stirring the molten electrolyte when electrolysis is being applied whereby pure silicon is produced which is soluble with the anode to form an alloy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.