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Silicon
Silicon (Si) is a metalloid with a lustrous, gray crystalline appearance. It has a melting point of 1414 °C and a boiling point of 3265 °C. Known for its semiconducting properties, silicon exhibits diamond-cubic crystal structure and moderate thermal and electrical conductivities. It forms a native oxide (SiO₂) that provides excellent chemical stability and corrosion resistance.
Goodfellow’s high-purity Silicon products, including Silicon Rods, Sputtering Targets, Powder, and Pellets, are essential for advanced research and industrial applications across multiple high-tech industries. Silicon’s unique semiconductor properties make it the cornerstone of electronics, solar energy systems, and optoelectronics. It is widely used in microchip fabrication, solar cell production, and the development of advanced materials. Our Silicon products are used widely in semiconductor research, materials science, and energy storage laboratories, providing tailored solutions for academic research and industrial development. Goodfellow’s Silicon offerings support cutting-edge innovation in renewable energy, advanced electronics, and microelectronics.
Properties
Identifiers
Isotopes
Applications
Grades
Synonyms
General Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 14 |
| Density | 2.33 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1414 °C |
| Boiling Point | 3265 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 149 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 640 µΩ·cm (intrinsic) |
| Crystal Structure | Diamond cubic |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent; inert in water and most acids |
| Reactivity | Forms stable dioxide (SiO₂) |
| Oxidation States | -4, +4 |
| Surface Oxide | Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) |
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Si |
| Atomic Number | 14 |
| CAS Number | 7440-21-3 |
| UN Number | UN1346 (amorphous powder) |
| EINECS Number | 231-130-8 |
| Isotope | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Si-28 | Stable | Most abundant (~92.23%) |
| Si-29 | Stable | NMR-active (~4.67%) |
| Si-30 | Stable | ~3.10% |
| Si-31 | Radioactive | Short half-life, used in research |
Scientific Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Semiconductor Devices | Base material for microchips, ICs, and sensors |
| Photovoltaics | Wafers used in solar panels |
| Thin Films | Sputtering targets for electronics coating |
| Optical Research | Si lenses, photonic devices |
| Quantum Devices | Isotopically purified Si in qubit systems |
Industrial Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Alloying | Added to aluminium alloys to improve strength |
| Ceramics & Glass | Forms SiO₂ for insulation, refractory materials |
| Silicones | Precursor for polymer industries |
| Abrasives | Si-based grinding media |
| Steel & Casting | Used as deoxidizer and inoculant |
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 97.5% (1N75) | Technical grade silicon used for metallurgical and casting applications |
| 99.5% (2N5) | Metallurgical grade suitable for ceramic, alloy, and industrial uses |
| 99.95% (3N5) | Solar grade silicon for photovoltaic wafers |
| 99.99% (4N) | High-purity electronic grade used in semiconductor and high-end electronics |
| 99.998% (4N8) | Ultra-high purity for advanced semiconductor and MEMS devices |
| 99.999% (5N) | Semiconductor-grade for research, wafers, and precision electronics |
| 99.9995% (5N5) | Specialist high-purity silicon used in quantum computing and advanced metrology |
| Synonym |
|---|
| Silicon metal |
| Si |
| Silicium |