In the NEDO supported project, sand, ash or a silica-containing materials such as industrial by-products are reacted directly in the presence of an alcohol and an inorganic dehydrating agent, providing tetraalkoxysilane. The new process is reported to work with high efficiency and opens possibities for energy saving and cost reduction in the manufacturing of silicon chemicals.
NEDO news release, October 25, 2016
NAIST and Colcoat Co. embark on direct synthesis of organic silicon from sand or ash