What is the raw material of silicon metal

The raw materials used to produce silicon metal (metallurgical-grade silicon, MG-Si) primarily include:

1. Silica (SiO₂ - Quartz or Quartzite)

The primary source of silicon, usually in the form of high-purity quartzite or vein quartz (≥ 98.5% SiO₂).

Impurities like iron, aluminum, and calcium oxides must be minimized.

2. Carbonaceous Reductants

Used as reducing agents in the submerged arc furnace (SAF) process:

Coal/Coke (low-ash, high fixed carbon)

Charcoal (reactive, low impurities)

Wood Chips (to improve furnace porosity)

3. Electrodes (Carbon-Based)

Graphite or carbon electrodes conduct electricity in the furnace.

Production Process (Brief Overview)

Silicon metal is produced in an electric arc furnace at ~2000°C by the carbothermic reduction of silica:

SiO2+2C→Si+2COSiO2​+2C→Si+2CO

Additional Notes

Purity: Metallurgical-grade silicon is ~98-99% pure.

Further Refining: For solar or semiconductor use, MG-Si is purified into polysilicon via the Siemens process or fluidized bed reactors (FBR).

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