GreenD - 31-1-2012 at 07:29
A while back I researched this intensely with the hopes of finding a possible catalyst for this reaction.
However, I have lost all of my notes and ideas!
I'd like to find the energy profile of SiO2->Si.
Actually I don't know if I even remember how to do this type of thermodynamics. 
I know that Silicon dioxide at temperatures around >1200° C are mixed with carbon graphite. The reaction goes by
SiO2 + C -> CO2 + Si
It goes through some other steps as well.
I thought perhaps since Si reacts with fluorine so strongly, perhaps fluorine could act as some catalyst at high temps.
At anyrate I thought maybe this could get the ball rolling for some research.
MrHomeScientist - 31-1-2012 at 08:26
I've made silicon from beach sand via sulfur-boosted thermite, in one of my more popular videos (good choice of tags I guess):
http://www.youtube.co/watch?v=73YmP_JSrlU&feature=relate...
Not very practical for any analytical work I'm sure, but it was fun! I just needed a sample for my element collection, so I'm satisfied.
GreenD - 31-1-2012 at 08:35
You do know that silicon is a metalloid, right 
cool video though.
Maybe industrial scale this could make sense by using all those beer cans./
Neil - 31-1-2012 at 09:31
Check around there are a number of routes already explained on SM. Look for old posts by blogfast.
Neil - 31-1-2012 at 09:31
Check around there are a number of routes already explained on SM. Look for old posts by blogfast.
Vikascoder - 4-2-2012 at 01:48
I made silicon by adding sand to 3 micron aluminium powder then igniting it with potassium chlorate and sugar sulphur mix