Abstract: Shaped articles, e.g., bars, of semiconductor-grade, ultra-pure silicon, are facilely and efficiently produced by thermally decomposing/pyrolyzing a monosilane feedstream on a red-heated silicon support member, whereby high purity silicon is deposited thereon, and thence recycling the majority of the by-product reaction admixture into said monosilane feedstream.

Abstract: Shaped articles, e.g., bars, of semiconductor-grade, ultra-pure silicon, are facilely and efficiently produced by thermally decomposing/pyrolyzing a monosilane feedstream on a red-heated silicon support member, whereby high purity silicon is deposited thereon, and then recycling the majority of the by-product reaction admixture into said monosilane feedstream.

Abstract: Lithium metal is continuously prepared, in specially adapted electrolytic cell, by (i) continuously electrolyzing a mixture of molten salts including lithium chloride, said mixture comprising the medium of electrolysis, (ii) continuously withdrawing admixture of product lithium metal with said mixture of molten salts, and (iii) continuously discharging formed chlorine gaseous phase therefrom, wherein the medium of electrolysis is maintained at a temperature ranging from the melting point of said mixture of molten salts, at the eutectic composition thereof, to 400.degree. C., and said gaseous chlorine phase is maintained at a temperature not exceeding 300.degree. C.

Abstract: Lithium metal is continuously prepared by, in a specially adapted electrolytic cell, (i) continuously electrolyzing the lithium chloride which comprises a mixture of molten salts, which mixture comprises the medium of electrolysis and such medium of electrolysis naturally circulating within an interspace defined between the electrodes of the cell, said interspace being devoid of physical barrier between said electrodes, (ii) continuously withdrawing therefrom product lithium metal in admixture with the mixture of molten salts, and (iii) continuously discharging undiluted chlorine gas therefrom.

Abstract: Lithium is continuously converted into lithium hydride, is suitable phase contactor/decanter apparatus, by continuously hydrogenating in a first reaction zone, at elevated temperatures, an agitated intimate admixture of metallic lithium in a mixture of molten salts, continuously discharging the effluent of said hydrogenation reaction to a second zone of decantation, whereby said effluent is separated into a floating light phase essentially consisting of unreacted lithium metal and a heavy phase which comprises product lithium hydride dissolved in said mixture of molten salts, continuously recycling floating light phase back to the hydrogenation reaction zone, continuously withdrawing heavy phase from said zone of decantation, and recovering product lithium hydride from said withdrawn heavy phase.

Abstract: Silane, SiH.sub.

Abstract: Essentially pure silane, SiH.sub.