Knowledge Base

Heated Cleaning of Silicon-Based Substrates in Acetone and IPA

20 Jan 2023

Cleaning silicon samples is an important step in many scientific and industrial processes.

Heated Cleaning of Silicon-Based Substrates in Acetone and IPA

Silicon is a widely used material in many different applications, including electronics, solar panels, and medical devices. In order to ensure the proper functioning and performance of these applications, heated cleaning is important to remove any contaminants that may be present on the surface of the silicon samples.

Heated cleaning vs. Ultrasonic cleaning

Here are some reasons to choose a heated solvent instead of an ultrasonic bath to clean delicate silicon samples.

First, heated solvents can be more gentle on delicate silicon samples than ultrasonic baths. The high-frequency sound waves used by ultrasonic baths can cause mechanical stress on the samples, which can damage or even break them. This is particularly true for samples with delicate structures or thin layers of material.

Second, heated solvents can be more effective at removing certain types of contaminants from delicate silicon samples. Some contaminants, such as oils, greases, and adhesives, can be more easily dissolved by heated solvents than by ultrasonic baths. This can make it easier to remove these contaminants without damaging the delicate silicon samples.

Third, using a heated solvent can be more convenient and easier to control than using an ultrasonic bath. Heated solvents can be heated to specific temperatures, allowing you to fine-tune the cleaning process to match the needs of the specific silicon samples and contaminants. In contrast, ultrasonic baths operate at a fixed frequency and intensity, which may not be optimal for all types of samples and contaminants.

Overall, using a heated solvent instead of an ultrasonic bath can be a good option for cleaning delicate silicon samples. It can be gentler on the samples, more effective at removing certain types of contaminants, and easier to control and adjust for specific cleaning needs.

All samply holders are compatible with the process described below. We recommend using a dedicated holder per process to minimize cross-contamination.

Method:

1. Begin by placing the silicon samples in the samply holder and choose a container that is appropriate for the size of the samples and the hotplate.

2. Fill the container with acetone and place it on the Hotplate at 60C. Allow the samples to soak in the acetone for 30 minutes. Cover the beaker with foil or watch glass.

3. Repeat the same process using IPA in place of acetone. Allow the samples to soak in the IPA for at least 30 minutes.

4. Dry the samples thoroughly using a lint-free cloth or compressed air. Be sure to handle the samples carefully to avoid damaging them.

5. Once the samples are dry, they should be clean and ready for further processing or testing.

Samply holders are compatible with stirrer bars which add agitation to the process and will improve the overall cleaning of the samples.

Using a hotplate instead of an ultrasonic bath can still be effective for cleaning silicon samples. It may not be as efficient at removing contaminants from the surface of the material. The hotplate can help to dissolve and loosen contaminants, but it does not provide the mechanical agitation that is provided by the ultrasonic bath. As a result, the cleaning process may take longer and may not be as thorough. However, it can still be a useful method for cleaning silicon samples, especially if an ultrasonic bath is not available.

Samply sample holders are compatible with a large range of chemicals listed in this compatibility chart.

The range of samply sample holders is designed to fit into standard lab beakers (25ml, 50ml, 100ml) eg Fischer.

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