What Is Silicon Monoxide?
Silicon monoxide (SiO) is an inorganic compound known to exist in various forms, including as an interstellar molecule and as a mixture of silicon (Si) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) in its solid state. Despite its complex nature, it is not specifically regulated by national safety laws.
Uses of Silicon Monoxide
SiO is gaining attention as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its lower volume expansion rate during discharge, offering prospects for high-capacity, durable batteries. Research focuses on enhancing its utility by mixing or coating SiO with carbon.
Properties of Silicon Monoxide
As a gas, SiO forms diatomic molecules, but when cooled rapidly, it becomes a brown or black amorphous solid. It disproportionates into Si and SiO2 upon exposure to air or water and is a poor conductor of electricity and heat. Despite its instability, SiO’s unique properties make it a subject of interest for various applications.
Structure of Silicon Monoxide
With a molar mass of 44.0849 g/mol and a density of 2.13 g/cm3, SiO exhibits a structure that shares characteristics with both Si and SiO2. Research has revealed that SiO can form cyclic structures and disproportionates under high temperatures.
Other Information on Silicon Monoxide
1. Synthesis
SiO was first created in 1887 by reducing silica with charcoal. It can also be produced by heating Si and SiO2 together or reducing SiO2 with carbon monoxide or hydrogen.
2. Reactions
SiO interacts with chlorine, fluorine, and other molecules under specific conditions to form various compounds. These reactions demonstrate SiO’s versatility in forming different molecular structures, including linear and cyclic triatomic molecules.