{"id":50323,"date":"2023-11-30T13:02:47","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T07:17:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/?p=50323"},"modified":"2023-11-30T13:02:51","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T07:17:51","slug":"silicon-carbide-structure-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Silicon Carbide: Structure, Preparation, Properties, Advantages, Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1205\" height=\"631\" src=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Silicon-carbide.jpg\" alt=\"Silicon carbide\" class=\"wp-image-50328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Silicon-carbide.jpg 1205w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Silicon-carbide-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Silicon-carbide-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Silicon-carbide-768x402.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/siliconsi-element\/\">Silicon<\/a> carbide is a compound of silicon and carbon. It is also known as Carborundum. Edward Acheson of Pennsylvania discovered silicon carbide in 1891. Because of its excellent combination of physical and electrical features, silicon carbide (SiC) is a wide bandgap semiconductor that is currently contributing to a profound transformation of power electronics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SiC occurs naturally in the highly uncommon mineral moissanite. Pure silicon carbides have a colorless and transparent crystal structure. When impurities like nitrogen or aluminum are added, silicon carbide crystals turn green or blue depending on the level of contaminant. SiC is primarily utilized for its hardness and strength, but its combined ceramic and semiconductor qualities make SiC ideal for the production of high-speed, high-voltage, and high-temperature devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#structure-of-silicon-carbide\" title=\"Structure of silicon carbide\">Structure of silicon carbide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#natural-occurrence\" title=\"Natural occurrence\">Natural occurrence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#preparation-of-silicon-carbide\" title=\"Preparation of silicon carbide\">Preparation of silicon carbide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#acheson-process\" title=\"Acheson process\">Acheson process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#lely-method\" title=\"Lely method\">Lely method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#chemical-vapor-deposition-method\" title=\"Chemical vapor deposition method\">Chemical vapor deposition method<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#properties-of-silicon-carbide\" title=\"Properties of silicon carbide\">Properties of silicon carbide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#advantages-of-silicon-carbide\" title=\"Advantages of silicon carbide\">Advantages of silicon carbide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#applications-of-silicon-carbide\" title=\"Applications of silicon carbide\">Applications of silicon carbide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#cutting-and-abrasive-tools\" title=\"Cutting and abrasive tools\">Cutting and abrasive tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#bulletproof-armor\" title=\"Bulletproof armor\">Bulletproof armor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#in-solar-industry\" title=\"In solar industry\">In solar industry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#in-jewelry\" title=\"In jewelry\">In jewelry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#in-automobiles\" title=\"In automobiles\">In automobiles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/#references\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"structure-of-silicon-carbide\"><\/span><strong>Structure of silicon carbide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Silicon carbide crystallizes in a densely packed structure that is covalently bound to each other. The Si and C atoms in a SiC crystal generate highly strong tetrahedral covalent connections (bond energy=4.6 eV) by exchanging electron pairs in sp3 hybrid orbitals. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-107.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50325\" style=\"width:250px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-107.png 634w, https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-107-287x300.png 287w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The atoms are organized so that two primary coordination tetrahedral structures are created, with four carbon and four silicon atoms bound to a central Si and C atom. \u00a0These tetrahedra are connected at the corners and layered to produce polar formations.\u00a0The resulting properties of SiC allow for a wide range and number of applications, particularly in adverse conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"natural-occurrence\"><\/span><strong>Natural occurrence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While silicon carbide is uncommon on Earth, it is abundant in space. It is also a common type of stardust found surrounding carbon-rich stars, with specimens discovered in pristine condition in unaltered (basic) meteorites. Silicon carbide can also be found in space, and practically all meteorites are beta-polymorph. The Murchison meteorite, a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, has revealed aberrant isotope ratios of silicon and carbon, indicating that these grains originated beyond the solar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"preparation-of-silicon-carbide\"><\/span><strong>Preparation of silicon carbide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"acheson-process\"><\/span><strong>Acheson process<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Silicon carbide is present in the mineral moissanite but is uncommon in nature. It is synthesized using the Acheson process, named after its inventor, Edward G. Acheson. In this process, pure silica (SiO2)&nbsp;quartz sand, and finely ground petroleum coke (carbon) are combined and heated to an increased temperature of roughly 1700 to 2500\u00b0C in an electric resistive furnace. The main chemical reaction that results in the creation of \u0251-SiC is shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1b439fbc13d7f9396529af0c0d0b1fdf\">SiO2 + 3C \u2192 SiC + 2CO<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around the core, silicon carbide forms a cylindrical ingot with layers of \u0251-SiC, \u03b2-SiC, and an unreacted material on the outside. The highest grade i.e., \u0251-SiC,&nbsp;has a coarse crystalline structure, and the metallurgical grade is \u03b2-SiC. SiC can be made in either green or black depending on the quality of the raw materials. The SiC ingots are next sorted and treated according to their intended application. To attain the qualities required for use, they may be crushed, milled, or chemically processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lely-method\"><\/span><strong>Lely method<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sublimation is used in the Lely method to generate bulk silicon carbide crystals. Silicon carbide powder is put into a graphite crucible that has been purged with argon gas and heated to about 2,500 \u00b0C (4,530 \u00b0F). The silicon carbide on the crucible&#8217;s outer walls sublimes and deposits on a graphite rod towards the crucible&#8217;s center, which is at a lower temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"chemical-vapor-deposition-method\"><\/span><strong>Chemical vapor deposition method<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Small-scale production of silicon carbide can also occur from the breakdown of gaseous or volatile molecules containing silicon and carbon in an inert atmosphere. The reaction products then deposit the carbide onto an appropriate heated substrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c0258842d234fd428a5fdb7923b0e3c9\">&nbsp;&nbsp; CH<sub>3<\/sub>SiCl \u27f6 SiC + 3HCl (at 1400oC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"properties-of-silicon-carbide\"><\/span><strong>Properties of silicon carbide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>SiC is a light element comprised of silicon (Si) and carbon (C). Its fundamental component is a tetrahedron-shaped crystal with four carbon atoms covalently bound to a single silicon atom in the middle. SiC is polymorphic because it exists in several phases and crystalline forms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With a Mohs hardness value of 9, silicon carbide is the hardest substance available, followed by boron carbide (9.5) and diamond (10). Because of this apparent feature, SiC is a great material choice for mechanical seals, bearings, and cutting tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Because of its fracture properties, silicon carbide crystals are highly helpful in grinding wheels and abrasive paper and cloth products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SiC is valuable in the construction of high-temperature bricks and other refractories because of its strong thermal conductivity, high-temperature strength, low thermal expansion, and resistance to chemical reactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When SiC is refined, it behaves like an electrical insulator. However, by controlling impurities, silicon carbides can display semiconductor-like electrical characteristics. Doping with various amounts of aluminium, for example, results in a p-type semiconductor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SiC is a chemically inert and stable substance that has a strong corrosion resistance even when exposed to or boiled in acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric, or hydrofluoric acid) or bases (concentrated sodium hydroxides). It is discovered to react in chlorine, but only at temperatures of 900\u00b0C or above. When the temperature is around 850\u00b0C, silicon carbide will begin an oxidation reaction in the air to generate SiO<sub>2<\/sub>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"advantages-of-silicon-carbide\"><\/span><strong>Advantages of silicon carbide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, silicon carbide has been used in high-temperature applications like\u00a0bearings, heating equipment components, automotive brakes, and even knife-sharpening tools. The key advantages of SiC in electronics and semiconductor applications are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Thermal conductivity ranges from 120 to 270 W\/mK.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.0&#215;10-6\/\u00b0C<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maximum current density is high.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>SiC has exceptional electrical conductivity due to the combination of these three properties, especially when contrasted to silicon, SiC&#8217;s more popular relative. SiC&#8217;s material properties make it ideal for high-power applications requiring high current, high temperatures, and high thermal conductivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"applications-of-silicon-carbide\"><\/span><strong>Applications of silicon carbide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cutting-and-abrasive-tools\"><\/span><strong>Cutting and abrasive tools<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of its low cost and durability,SiC is a popular abrasive in the arts and modern lapidary. It is also utilized in the manufacturing process for its hardness in abrasive machining techniques such as honing, grinding, sandblasting, and water-jet cutting. To make grip tape for skateboards and sandpapers, silicon carbide particles are glued to paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bulletproof-armor\"><\/span><strong>Bulletproof armor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bulletproof armor is made from SiC. The hardness of this compound allows it to be used for this purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-solar-industry\"><\/span><strong>In solar industry<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SiC-enabled inverter optimization also contributes significantly to efficiency and cost reductions. The use of SiC in solar inverters improves the switching frequency of the system by two to three times that of ordinary silicon. This increase in switching frequency allows for a reduction in the magnetics of the circuit, resulting in significant space and cost savings. The reliability of silicon carbide enables solar systems to reach the consistent lifetime required to operate continuously for more than a decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-jewelry\"><\/span><strong>In jewelry<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SiC, which is structurally similar to diamond but more lustrous, cheaper, more durable, and lighter than diamond, is a well-deserved alternative to diamond in the jewelry industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-automobiles\"><\/span><strong>In automobiles<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SiC can meet high voltage needs with ease. Silicon carbide has the potential to expand electric vehicle driving range by improving overall system efficiency, particularly inside the inverter system, which improves overall energy conservation while reducing the size and weight of battery management systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"references\"><\/span><strong>References<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/silicon-carbide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/B9780081020968000057<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.vedantu.com\/chemistry\/silicon-carbide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/byjus.com\/chemistry\/silicon-carbide\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>http:\/\/accuratus.com\/silicar.html<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Silicon carbide is a compound of silicon and carbon. It is also known as Carborundum. Edward Acheson of Pennsylvania discovered silicon carbide in 1891. Because of its excellent combination of &#8230; <a title=\"Silicon Carbide: Structure, Preparation, Properties, Advantages, Applications\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/silicon-carbide-structure-preparation\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Silicon Carbide: Structure, Preparation, Properties, Advantages, Applications\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":50328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[3076,3077,3074,3075,3073],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50323"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50323"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50329,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50323\/revisions\/50329"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechemistrynotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}