Silicon is prepared commercially by electrolysis with carbon electrodes of a mixture of silica and carbon. Silicon is used extensively in solid-state devices and for this hyperpure silicon is required. This is prepared by thermal decomposition of ultra-pure trichlorosilane. Uses Silicon is one of the most useful elements to mankind. Sand and clay, which both contain silicon, are used to make concrete and cement.
Sand is also the principal ingredient of glass, which has thousands of uses.
Silicon is a component of steel, and silicon carbides are important abrasives and also used in lasers. Silicon is present in pottery and enamels, and in high-temperature materials. However, increasing use for silicon is now being found in micro-electronic devices. The silicon is usually doped with boron, gallium, phosphorus or arsenic for use in transistors, solar cells, rectifiers and other instruments. Biological Role Silicon is essential to plant and animal life.