Innovative Approach to Scaling Up Silicon Tetraiodide (SiI₄)

Due to our deep targeted experience, we already had the technology to synthesize and manufacture small volumes of silicon tetraiodide in powder form. Although, this process involved grinding, which has a potential risk of hydrolyzation and contamination from the mill consumables. In addition, the resulting powder form is sensitive to both light and air.

To help achieve success, we created an innovative approach that eliminated grinding – changing the final form from powder to granules. We also developed a new methodology of stable, continuous synthesis using custom-made ovens: the ovens maintain temperatures of up to 1000°C, and with ±0.1°C accuracy for each of the different temperature phases of the process. The streamlined temperature regime saves energy while accelerating Sil₄ throughput. The fully-automated granulation phase uses a high-purity argon process.