Siliconbased

Siliconbased, usually written as silicon-based, refers to substances, materials, and systems in which silicon is the dominant element. The term covers a broad range of materials that include elemental silicon and a variety of silicon-containing compounds, spanning inorganic species such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon carbide (SiC), and silicon nitride (Si3N4) as well as organic or organosilicon materials such as silicones and silanes.

For industry, the term is commonly associated with silicon-based electronics and photovoltaics, where crystalline silicon serves as the semiconductor and photoactive material. Other important segments include silicon carbide used in high-power electronics and high-temperature applications, silicon nitride used for bearings and ceramics, and silica glass used in optics and fibers. Organosilicon polymers (silicones) are used as lubricants, seals, medical implants, and coatings.

History: The use of silicon in semiconductors began in the mid-20th century with the development of the transistor and integrated circuits. Since then, silicon-based technologies have formed the foundation of modern electronics, communications, and computing. In energy, crystalline silicon dominates solar photovoltaics; advanced wide-bandgap materials such as SiC and GaN are expanding high-power and high-temperature niches.

Outlook and terminology: Siliconbased materials remain central to contemporary technology. In speculative contexts, silicon-based life has been proposed as an alternative form of life in science fiction and theoretical discussions, but no such organism has been observed on Earth. Environmental and safety concerns focus on silica dust exposure and the lifecycle management of silicon-containing products.