siliconcarbon

Siliconcarbon is a term that refers to materials and compounds that contain silicon and carbon in their structure. The most well-known member of this family is silicon carbide (SiC), a binary compound in which silicon and carbon form a robust covalent lattice. Beyond SiC, silicon–carbon systems include a range of composites, coatings, and organosilicon materials in which silicon–carbon bonds or silicon-rich carbon matrices provide a balance of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.

Silicon carbide is notable for a combination of properties: hard, with high abrasion resistance; high thermal conductivity; chemical inertness; and a wide electronic bandgap. These traits enable SiC devices to operate at high voltages, temperatures, and frequencies, making SiC a leading material for power electronics, radio-frequency components, and high-temperature structures. SiC also serves as an abrasive, ceramic substrate for optics and LEDs. It exists in multiple crystal polytypes, such as 4H-SiC and 6H-SiC, which influence its electronic behavior. Synthesis commonly involves high-temperature processes such as the reduction of silica with carbon in electric furnaces, or chemical vapor deposition to form thin SiC films or layers; ceramic-grade SiC is produced by sintering fine powders.

In the field of energy storage, silicon–carbon composites aim to combine the high theoretical capacity of silicon with the conductivity and structural support of carbon. Such materials are explored as anodes for lithium-ion batteries, where carbon matrices or coatings mitigate silicon’s volume expansion and improve cycle life.

This broad class of silicon–carbon materials is active in electronics, energy storage, aerospace, and industrial applications, with ongoing research to tailor properties for specific uses.