Relatively low-temperature pyrolysis of silane in free spaceThe continuous flow pyrolyzer is a free space reactor that is used to study the effects of concentration, flow rate and temperature in making solar-grade silicon by pyrolysis of silane gas. Work with the continuous flow pyrolyzer is within the DOE-sponsored Low-Cost Solar Array Project. The work has led to a new theoretical treatment of silane pyrolysis in free space at relatively low temperatures (550 C to 750 C). It involves a sequential, three-step mechanism of particle growth: first, silicon atom generation by homogeneous reaction; second, coagulation to a 0.1 micron particle due to Brownian motion and van der Waals forces; and finally, chemical vapor deposition by heterogeneous reaction to final particle size.
Document ID
19820050545
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Levin, H. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Chemistry And Materials (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Materials and New Processing Technologies for Photovoltaics