Abstract: A method for the electrochemical production silicon comprises applying an electrical potential across an anode and a cathode to provide electrons at the cathode. The anode and the cathode are in contact with an electrolyte melt at a reaction temperature. The electrolyte melt comprises a molten salt or a mixture of molten salts; a silicon-containing precursor at least partially dissolved in the electrolyte melt to provide soluble silicon-containing ions in the electrolyte melt; and a supporting electrolyte at least partially dissolved in the electrolyte melt to provide O2? ions in the electrolyte melt. The soluble silicon-containing ions at the cathode undergo reduction reactions with the electrons to release O2? ions and deposit silicon on the cathode.