Effect of the electronic structure of metal solvents on silicon whisker growth

We have analyzed and systematized available data on silicon whisker growth with the use of a wide variety of metal solvents. The catalytic properties of metals responsible for stable Si whisker growth are shown to depend on the position of the metal in the Periodic Table, the interaction between the molten metal and silicon, and the number of electrons in the s and (n − 1)d electron orbitals of the metal. The most stable silicon whisker growth is ensured by Cu, Au, Ni, Ag, Pd, and Pt particles.