Why is silicon widely used for integrated circuits?

Silicon is the most widely used material for integrated circuits due to several key physical and chemical advantages over other semiconductors like germanium:12

• Superior Thermal Stability: Silicon devices can operate at significantly higher temperatures than those made of germanium. While germanium diodes are limited to approximately 85 °C (185 °F), silicon diodes can function at temperatures up to 200 °C (400 °F).3
• Lower Leakage Currents: Silicon-based devices exhibit much lower leakage currents, which improves the efficiency and reliability of electronic components.1
• Native Oxide Formation: A critical advantage is that silicon forms a high-quality, tenaciously adhering silicon dioxide film when heated in the presence of oxygen. This oxide acts as an excellent electrical insulator and serves as a vital mask during the photolithographic manufacturing process, allowing for the precise introduction of impurities to modify electrical properties.13
• Abundance and Cost: Silicon is far more abundant in nature than germanium, making it a more cost-effective raw material for large-scale manufacturing.3

These combined properties have allowed silicon technology to become highly advanced, accounting for more than 95 percent of all semiconductor products sold worldwide.1