Electrolytic methods and systems for the production of metallurgical grade silicon
AssigneeAlliance for Energy Innovation, LLC
InventorsKerry Christine RIPPY, Haley HOOVER, Robert Terry BELL, Lipin WU, Sridhar SEETHARAMAN
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Abstract
A substantially carbon-free, molten electrolytic method and system for production of silicon with a purity of greater than approximately 95%. The process of the present disclosure is substantially carbon free (meaning little to no carbon dioxide (CO2) is released as a result of the process). The process utilizes an anode which evolves oxygen, not CO2. Silica may then be generated at the cathode, generating the desired product, silicon, as well as oxide (O2−) ions. In the process these O2− ions may react with a substantially inert anode to evolve oxygen (O2).
Claims20
A system for producing metallurgical grade silicon (MGS), the system comprising:
- an anode;
- a cathode in contact with a source of silicon;
- and
- an electrolyte solution;
- wherein:
- the anode comprises an inert material, and
- the system is configured to be operated at less than approximately 900° C.
A method of producing metallurgical grade silicon (MGS), the method comprising:
- heating an electrolyte solution positioned within a container;
- applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode positioned within the container;
- collecting a product of MGS on the cathode;
- wherein;
- the cathode is in contact with a source of silicon,
- the anode comprises an inert material, and
- the electrolyte solution is heated to a temperature less than approximately 900° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.