Abstract: In a reactor for the decomposition of a silicon-containing gas, provision is made, to avoid silicon deposition on an inner wall of a reactor vessel, for at least one catalytically active mesh to be provided within a reaction chamber between at least one gas feed line and the inner wall (4). The mesh accelerates the thermal decomposition of the gas and reduces the deposition of silicon on the inner wall. Also described is a process for the preparation of silicon using the reactor according to the invention and the use in photovoltaics of the silicon prepared.

Abstract: In a reactor for the decomposition of a silicon-containing gas, provision is made, to avoid silicon deposition on an inner wall of a reactor vessel, for at least one catalytically active mesh to be provided within a reaction chamber between at least one gas feed line and the inner wall (4). The mesh accelerates the thermal decomposition of the gas and reduces the deposition of silicon on the inner wall. Also described is a process for the preparation of silicon using the reactor according to the invention and the use in photovoltaics of the silicon prepared.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing bromine levels in brine solutions such as potassium chloride brine solutions. Bromide in solution is converted to hypobromite by the addition of an oxidant such as sodium hypochlorite. Hypobromite is precipitated by the addition of a metal cation such as magnesium under conditions of basic pH. The process is pH dependent such that the most efficient removal of bromine is achieved at a sodium hydroxide concentration of 90-200 mM. The pH optimum is also temperature dependent such that increased temperature lowers the optimal pH for bromide removal. The invention further provides a bromine-reduced potassium chloride product, suitable for uses in industrial applications. By the method of the invention bromine levels in a potassium chloride feed stock can be reduced by 97% or more.