Despite numerous attempts to find an alternative to silicon specialists in electronics, it still is a very important raw material for the industry. Â Sand, or silicon dioxide, is one of the most common substances in nature - it is about 40% of the Earth's , however, required for the production of crystalline silicon is very expensive, because it requires a process to obtain high (about 1500 ° C) temperatures, and is quite harmful.
Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science Steven Maldonado (Stephen Maldonado) from the University of Michigan, along with two assistants, developed a method that will allow on crystalline silicon at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius. Â The idea came to the professor in the head in the kitchen while cooking.
Maldonado noted that in a supersaturated solution of sugar crystals can appear spontaneously. Â He decided to apply this principle in relation to silicon, silicon tetrachloride dissolved in liquid gallium. Â When the solution has reached saturation, began to settle on the bottom of small silicon crystals. Â Industrial production in this way can be a lot cheaper and cleaner practiced now. Â Currently, scientists are working hard to make the resulting crystals large enough for widespread use.