A METHOD AND A REACTOR FOR PRODUCTION OF HIGH-PURITY SILICON

摘要

Method and equipment for production of high purity silicon (Si) metal from reduction of silicon tetrachloride (SiCI₄) by liquid zinc metal. The Zn reduction of SiCI₄ and the production of Zn by electrolysis of ZnCb take place in a common, combined reactor and electrolysis cell using a molten salt as electrolyte. The reactor and electrolysis cell may preferably be provided in a common housing which is divided into two or more communicating compartments (13, 1, 2) by a first or more partition walls (15, 8, 7). Further, the electrolysis Of ZnCI₂, performed by means of suitable electrodes, is taking place in at least one compartment (1, 2) and the Zn reduction of SiCI₄ takes place in at least one other compartment (13), where Zn metal flows between the chamber/s (1,2) of the ZnCI₂electrolysis to the chamber/s (13) of SiCI₄ reduction, and where the electrolyte circulates between the chamber/s of ZnCI₂ electrolysis to the chamber/s of SiCI₄ reduction. The atmosphere in the chamber/s where electrolysis takes place is preferably separated from the atmosphere in the other chamber/s by the first partition wall (15).