Ge Solartech, LLC

Henry Lee

Baoquan Huang

High-yield synthesis of higher germanes and higher silanes includes the hydrolysis of a germanium- or silicon-containing alloy with chemical formula ABGe(Si), wherein A=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and rare earth metals; B=Al, Si, Sn, Ga, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag; x=0-10, y=0-10. The hydrolysis reaction is promoted by an acidic substance such as boron oxide (BO), citric acid, hydrochloric acid (HCl), or sulfuric acid (HSO). The present invention provides an efficient method of drying higher germanes and higher silanes to prevent their further hydrolysis. Another synthetic process involves the reaction of germanium oxide, borohydride and boron oxide with water. Still another process comprises hydrolyzing the SiGealloy with a very dilute base solution. The methods enable production of higher germanes from a wide range of germanium-starting materials, including germanium byproducts, impure germanium compounds, and waste products generated in the plasma deposition of thin films containing germanium.

Methods for high-yield synthesis of higher germanes and higher silanes

A method for the production of germane includes reacting an oxide of germanium and/or a non-oxide of germanium compound with a borohydride in a base solution. The method permits production of germane from impure germanium-containing starting materials. Catalysts for the reaction include transition metal elements, as well as oxides, hydroxides, halides, and other complexes or compounds of transition metals. Application of heat increases the efficiency of the catalyst. The methods also include production of germane through oxidation of a pure or impure oxide or non-oxide of germanium. The oxidation is effected by contacting the germanium-containing solid phase starting material with an oxidizing solution. The oxidizing solution may be a basic solution comprising a hydroxide or an acidic solution. The oxidation product of the germanium-containing solid phase starting material is converted to germane through an electrochemical or chemical reduction process.

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West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Henry Lee