Characterization of Algerian dune sand as a source to metallurgical-grade silicon production

This study aims to identify the physicochemical characteristics of El-Oued dune sand and assess its potential use for metallurgical-grade silicon production. The chemical analysis reveals a relative purity of El-Oued sand, with 94.5% of SiO2, in addition to the presence of some oxides such as Iron and Aluminum oxides. The mineralogical analysis confirms the presence of α-quartz with a high crystalline nature, calcite and feldspar minerals. The Rietveld refinements indicate the dominance of α-quartz (∼93%). Furthermore, the SEM micrographs show the presence of different shapes and sizes of sand grains. These results corroborate that El-Oued sands are a good source for manufacturing metallurgical grade silicon by briquetting process.