Processing of fine silicon powder to produce bulk silicon
US7927385B2 · kind B2 · utility
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2References
14Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC30B28/06
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for using substantial quantities of silicon powders as charge and processing it to produce a high quality silicon ingots suitable for photovoltaic use is disclosed. In a fused silica crucible, silicon feedstock containing more than about 5% by weight silicon powder is charged. The crucible with the charged silicon feedstock is placed into a furnace chamber and a vacuum is drawn to remove air. The vacuum is applied slowly. Then, the furnace chamber is backfilled with argon gas and heated to form molten silicon. Afterward, the molten silicon is solidified and annealed to form a multicrystalline silicon ingot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.