The Feasibility of Extraction of Silicon from Sand by Metal-Thermite Reduction Process

In this research, we have investigated the extraction of silicon from sand by Metal-thermite reduction process. The sand was collected from Padma River near Rajshahi city, Bangladesh. The reduction of sand was performed with Al and Mg powder. After that leaching out with HCl (Hydrochloric acid) for purification. We have studied the structural, chemical nature and physical morphology of the extracted sample. Using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements, the structural analysis of the samples was taken and  onfirmed that the element was produced Si which has the particle size in an average 31.52 nm. In SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) was used for surface morphology of obtained samples. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) was provided the presence of elemental percentages of Silicon. XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) was used for characterization the chemical nature of sand. Silicon content of sand of Padma River was found about maximum 55% in this study of Al thermite reduction process. From Optical
analysis it had found the band gap is1.249 eV.