Novel concept for energy generation via an inorganic nitrogen cycle, starting from the basic material sand and producing higher silanes

摘要

The invention relates to a novel energy concept that relates to an artificial silicon-nitrogen cycle and that constitutes the complement to the natural carbon-oxygen cycle. Pure silicon is produced from sand using solar energy. By repeated Müller-Rochow synthesis with silylchlorides the silicon is converted to higher silanes. The silylchlorides used are either silicons derived from chemical wastes or are economically produced from monosilanes or disilanes. They are mixed with silicon powder and combusted with air to give H2O and silicon nitride Si3N4, thereby generating power. The silicon nitride is converted to ammonia NH3 under alkaline conditions, thereby producing silicates. Part of the NH3 is converted to follow-on products, the major portion however is combusted with air to give H2O and N2, thereby generating power. The N2 cycle is thereby closed.