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Research Paper | Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025 | Pages: 2186 - 2188 | India
From Sand to Silicon: Exploring the Process of Refining Silicon at Small Scale
Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of refining elemental silicon from sand (SiO?) at a small laboratory scale using relatively simple chemical methods. The process involves (i) purification of sand using hydrochloric acid to remove impurities, (ii) conversion of silica to sodium silicate using sodium hydroxide, (iii) precipitation of silica gel via acid neutralization, and (iv) magnesiothermic (thermite-type) reduction to obtain elemental silicon. Approximately 23 g of silicon was obtained, corresponding to ~47% yield relative to the theoretical maximum, with an estimated purity of 90-95%. Although the product does not reach electronic-grade purity, the experiment demonstrates the fundamental chemical principles underlying silicon extraction and provides an accessible educational model for understanding the transformation from sand to silicon.
Keywords: Silicon extraction, Silicon dioxide, Sodium silicate, Magnesiothermic reduction, Thermite reaction
How to Cite?: Atharv Chimanchode, "From Sand to Silicon: Exploring the Process of Refining Silicon at Small Scale", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2186-2188, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251223202804, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251223202804