Refining: electrolytic, zone refining, van Arkel method
Metallurgy and Extraction (General Principles) · Chemistry
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Study notes
How does zone refining purify silicon to 99.9999%? Step 1: A heater creates a narrow molten zone in a Si rod. Step 2: Impurities dissolve better in liquid than solid → concentrate in the zone. Step 3: The zone moves slowly along; pure Si crystallizes behind. Step 4: Repeat passes sweep impurities to one end — cut it off! Semiconductors demand this purity.