Microwave-based Processing for Purification of Silicon

Silicon solar cells have increasingly been recognised as key components in future renewable energy

solutions. However, their sustained viability will depend on cell performance and cost, with the current

emphasis on thinner cells made from lower grade silicon. However, although such cells would be

cheaper, their performance would be compromised by the presence of even low concentrations “killer”

impurities such as iron which unacceptably reduce the cell efficiency. Current approaches to removing

iron to an acceptable level, or refining the feedstock, incur high energy input costs and yield toxic byproducts.

Our Canadian partner, Prised Solar Inc., is in the business of supplying silicon feedstock for

the solar industry and recognizing the expertise of the Ruda group in photovoltaics research and

technology for over two decades, approached us to develop a new low cost and environmentally

benign iron purification process for metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si). Recently, microwave

processing was applied as a means to rapidly heat and redistribute dopants in silicon……

Faculty Supervisor:

Harry Ruda

Student:

Partner:

Prised Solar Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

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