Trace elements distribution in Cu-Si alloys

► We developed a new method for metal refining where silicon was treated with copper as refining element. ► The highest concentration of trace elements was at the phase boundaries between Si and Cu-Si intermetallic. ► After treatment with Cu, 21 elements were not detected in pure Si. ► The amount of the trace elements decreased from 2 to 100 times in the refined Si compared to the initial metallurgical Si.