Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a susceptor defining a reaction chamber. A housing is spaced from the susceptor opposite the reaction chamber and defines a port. A void space is defined between the housing and the susceptor. An induction coil extends through the port and is disposed within the void space for conducting an electric current to heat the susceptor to heat the reaction chamber. A flange comprises a metal material and is coupled to the housing at the port for sealing the port with the induction coil extending through the flange. An isolator is disposed between the flange and the housing to prevent the electric current from passing into the housing.

Abstract: A method of controlling the crystallinity of a silicon powder may include heating a reactor to a temperature of no more than 650° C., and flowing a feed gas comprising silane and a carrier gas into the reactor at a molar gas flux of from about 5 mol/min/m2 to about 25 mol/min/m2. The silane decomposes to form a silicon powder having a controlled crystallinity and comprising non-crystalline silicon. According to another embodiment, a method of controlling the crystallinity of a silicon powder may include flowing a feed gas comprising silane and a carrier gas into a heated reactor at a molar gas flux of from about 5 mol/min/m2 to about 25 mol/min/m2, and maintaining an internal reactor pressure of about 2 atm or less during the flowing of the feed gas into the heated reactor. The silane decomposes to form a silicon powder having a controlled crystallinity and comprising non-crystalline silicon.

Abstract: An electrode composition comprises a silicon powder comprising non-crystalline and crystalline silicon, where the crystalline silicon is present in the silicon powder at a concentration of no more than about 20 wt. %. An electrode for an electrochemical cell comprises an electrochemically active material comprising non-crystalline silicon and crystalline silicon, where the non-crystalline silicon and the crystalline silicon are present prior to cycling of the electrode. A method of controlling the crystallinity of a silicon powder includes heating a reactor to a temperature of no more than 650° C. and flowing a feed gas comprising silane and a carrier gas into the reactor while maintaining an internal reactor pressure of about 2 atm or less. The silane decomposes to form a silicon powder having a controlled crystallinity and comprising non-crystalline silicon.