Carbon reaction with levitated silicon – Experimental and thermodynamic approaches

Metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si) has become a new source of raw material for the photovoltaic industry. The use of this material as an alternative feed stock has however introduced phenomena that are detrimental to both the yield of the manufacturing process and the performance of the photovoltaic cells produced. This is mainly related to the presence of carbon, which precipitates to silicon carbide (SiC) in the ingot.This article focuses on the effect of carbon on silicon nucleation. Statistical experimental results of silicon nucleation are obtained as a function of carbon concentration and are presented and compared to thermodynamic calculations.

► Interaction of methane with levitated silicon at high temperature.
► Silicon nucleation undercooling decreases when the carbon concentration increases.
► Experimental and thermodynamical calculation shows remarkable similar behavior.