Surface reaction optimization and understanding in Silicon consuming processes

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

The wide range of silicone products has become a very common part of modern everyday life. The use of silicones is also increasing steadily due to its usefulness and versatility. The thousands of silicone products are produced starting from Silicon. The reaction of silicon with chloromethane (vast majority of production) to produce precursors for silicone is one of the most complex reactions industrialised. Even though it is well established that silicon strongly influences the value and effectiveness of the reaction, the catalysis and surface reactions determining the performance is not well known. The project aims at increasing understanding of catalysis and mechanisms influencing especially the unwanted formation of carbon compounds in the reaction by combining chemical expertise with modelling excellence and advanced material testing to improve the silicon used, giving increased value creation in the process. In the same manner, Silicon of high purity for use as solar cells or electronics, reactions between silicon and HCl is similarly detemining the first major step in producing high purity silicon from normal metallurgical silicon. As for the reaction to Silicones, this process is also strongly influenced by Silicon qualities, and better understanding of the reaction mehanisms are central to do further improvements to the process.