While bulk silicon is generally quite unreactive with water under typical conditions, nanoscale silicon reacts readily with water to produce silicic acid and hydrogen gas.
The way silicon interacts with water is heavily dependent on its form and the conditions involved. Solid, bulk silicon is protected by a thin, stable layer of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) when exposed to air, which prevents significant reaction with water unless the water is very hot or alkaline. However, recent research highlights that this changes dramatically when silicon is in the form of nanoparticles.
Silicon Nanoparticle Reaction with Water
According to experiments conducted by scientists, spherical silicon particles about 10 nanometers in diameter demonstrate a vigorous reaction when combined with water. This reaction generates two primary products:
- Silicic Acid: This is described as a nontoxic byproduct of the reaction.
- Hydrogen Gas: A significant outcome of this reaction is the production of hydrogen, which is highlighted as a potential source of energy, particularly for applications like fuel cells.
These findings, reported as of January 22, 2013, indicate a potential method for on-demand hydrogen generation using silicon nanoparticles and water.
Summary of the Reaction
| Input | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spherical Silicon (~10 nm) | Silicic Acid | Nontoxic byproduct |
| Water | Hydrogen (H₂) | Potential energy source |
This reaction illustrates that by controlling the form and size of silicon, it's possible to facilitate a useful chemical reaction with water that doesn't occur readily with the bulk material.
