From rice husk to silicon: exploring new supply chains for semi-conductors
THE QUESTION
Can producing high-purity silica from agricultural waste develop a new supply chain and create jobs?
LOCATION: Malaysia
SECTOR: Supply Chain
TECH: Biotech
TIMELINE: September 2023 - Present
PIONEER: Adelene Teo
PARTNERS: Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP)
The Challenge
Currently, silicon supplies are attained through mining and China is the largest producer, accounting for two-thirds of global production. There are two major challenges regarding silicon–first, silica sand (raw material that makes silicon) risks running low in supply due to climate change and over-mining due to increased demand; second, trade controls and rising geopolitical tensions adversely affect the UK’s silicon supply chain resilience.
Rice is one of the most widespread food crops, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia, and global annual production of rice tops 500 million metric tons. Malaysia alone produces around 2 million metric tons annually. Rice cultivation proportionally generates a large amount of associated agricultural waste in the form of rice husk, which is difficult to recycle and a waste problem for Malaysia. Burning has been the cheapest way to dispose of rice husks contributing to the annual regional haze crisis and its associated impact on the economy and public health.
Instead of mining, research showed that we can alternatively produce silicon from high-purity silica, which could be derived from an acid treatment and controlled combustion process of rice husks.
The Idea
This pilot proposes to utilise an acid treatment and combustion process to produce silicon from high-purity silica, derived from rice. This solution could provide Malaysia, a high rice production country, a more lucrative and environment friendly alternative to agricultural waste disposal. This technology has the possibility to be a disruptive intervention that addresses agricultural waste and helps to develop a high value industry and create jobs.
If successful, this solution can..
Enhance the usage of rice husk, currently limited to a range of low-value agricultural by-products such as fertilizer, additives and livestock vaccine carrier;
Enable rice farmers to monetize their agriculture waste;
Reduce the incidence of open burning practices;
Provide the UK with a viable alternative to a secured supply of silicon – a mineral critical to the country’s economic growth;
Offer the poorer northern states of Peninsular Malaysia with a new economic growth sector. This will have further economic spill-over such as better job opportunities and higher wages.
