METHOD OF CONDUCTING AN EQUILIBRIUM REACTION AND SELECTIVELY SEPARATING REACTIVE SPECIES OF THE EQUILIBRIUM REACTION

摘要

A method of conducting an equilibrium reaction and selectively separating reactive species of the equilibrium reaction includes introducing a first composition comprising a metal halide into an apparatus that is sealed from the ambient environment. A source of an elemental semiconductor that is reactive with the metal halide is introduced into the apparatus. The metal halide and elemental semiconductor are reacted, through an equilibrium reaction, in the apparatus to produce a gaseous stream that comprises a halide of the semiconductor, unreacted metal halide, and, optionally, elemental metal. Unreacted metal halide and, when present, elemental metal are condensed from the gaseous stream with the halide of the semiconductor remaining in the gaseous stream. At least a portion of the gaseous stream including the halide of the semiconductor is isolated from the condensed metal halide and elemental metal after condensing the metal halide and, when present, elemental metal from the gaseous stream.