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Refining Silicon for Solar Cell Application by Copper Alloying

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Abstract

Introduction

One major problem in the photovoltaic industry is the high price of refined solar grade silicon. In this research, a new method for refining metallurgical grade silicon to solar grade silicon is investigated.

Methods

The main steps include alloying with copper, solidification, grinding and gravity separation.

Results

A metallography study showed the presence of only two microconstituents, mainly pure silicon dendrites and Cu3Si intermetallic. Chemical analysis revealed a several times higher impurity level in the Cu3Si intermetallic than in the pure silicon; furthermore, the amount of nine elements in the refined silicon is reduced below the ICP detection limit.

Discussion

The acquired results showed that the suggested method is efficient in removing impurities from the metallurgical grade silicon with great potential for further development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of the Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, 184 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3E4, Canada

    Aleksandar M. Mitrašinović & Torstein A. Utigard

Authors
  1. Aleksandar M. Mitrašinović
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  2. Torstein A. Utigard
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Correspondence to Aleksandar M. Mitrašinović.

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Mitrašinović, A.M., Utigard, T.A. Refining Silicon for Solar Cell Application by Copper Alloying. Silicon 1, 239–248 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-009-9025-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-009-9025-z

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