Green route synthesis of silicon/silicon oxide from bamboo

Silica, generally known as silicon dioxide is insulating in nature whereas silicon is semiconducting. These two materials are widely used in sensing and electronic devices. In order to full-fill demand of silicon, sources other than sand, have to explore for silicon extraction. In this report, bamboo culms have been subjected to thermo chemical decomposition at high temperature (1250 °C) in an inert atmosphere. After pyrolysis, contents in residual of bamboo culms have been characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanosized, pure crystalline Si has been formed. Si as well as charcoal is found to be crystalline in nature. No silicon carbide formation observed.