Patent ID: 8158093

Claim:
A method of producing high purity silicon comprising: injecting at least one fluidizing gas into a fluidized bed reactor, wherein the fluidized bed reactor comprises: a chamber constructed of a metal alloy, the chamber including a gas inlet and an effluent outlet; a ceramic protective layer deposited on an inside surface of the chamber, wherein the ceramic protective layer comprises yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide; a bed of silicon beads disposed within the chamber; and at least one reactor heater; injecting at least one silicon-bearing gas into the fluidized bed reactor, heating the fluidized bed reactor with the at least one reactor heater to a temperature sufficient for thermal decomposition of silicon; and collecting the high purity silicon that has been produced and deposited on the fluidized silicon beads; wherein the ceramic protective layer is resistant to corrosion by the at least one fluidizing gas or the at least one silicon-bearing gas.