Silane pyrolysis in a free-space reactorThe Union Carbide process for producing silicon for photovoltaic applications proceeds via high purity silane as an intermediate. Decomposition of silane is accomplished in a freespace reactor which utilizes recirculating product hydrogen and silicon to transfer energy from a heated wall to an entering silane jet. Reaction occurs away from the wall, minimizing problems with wall deposition and contamination. A series of long duration and throughput tests has proven the feasibility of this concept. High purity powder can be produced at flows up to 4.5 kg/hr (10 lb/hr) in a 0.2 m (8 inch) diameter reactor with better than 99.99% conversion efficiency. This work is funded by DOE under JPL's Low Cost Solar Array (LSA) program.
Document ID
19820061482
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Lay, J. R. (Union Carbide Corp. Tonawanda, NY, United States)
Iya, S. K. (Union Carbide Corp. Tonawanda, NY, United States)