Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is well-known for facilitating incredible science and creating life-saving nuclear medicines, but for the last 40 years it's been quietly producing a largely unsung net zero hero: Neutron Transmutation Doped (NTD) silicon.
In fact, ANSTO is the world's largest producer of NTD silicon, a little known, but critical material driving the global electrification movement and enabling greener technologies.
NTD silicon (sometimes known as irradiated silicon) is a highly specialised material used in power semiconductors-the 'control centres' of modern energy systems. These semiconductors manage the electricity flow of technologies such as:
Electric Vehicles and Hybrids - Efficient battery charging and motor control
Wind Turbines and Solar Systems - Converting and regulating renewable energy
Smart Grids and High-Speed Rail - Managing large power loads for safer, cleaner transport
Energy Infrastructure - Projects like the Marinus Link and Murraylink slated to deliver reliable, sustainable electricity across Australia, and future facing technologies like
Industrial automation, robotics, precision motor control, satellites and aerospace
By enabling efficient power conversion, NTD silicon also reduces energy losses and lowers carbon emissions, supporting global decarbonisation goals.
"There are few high-end manufacturing businesses where Australia can claim to be number one in the world, but irradiated silicon is one of them," said Stewart Pullen, General Manager Irradiation Services at ANSTO. "ANSTO supplies over half the world's requirements."
"Because NTD silicon is a foundation material in enabling power semiconductor devices critical for net zero, our production positions Australia as a world leader in advanced manufacturing for clean technologies."
How NDT Silicon is made
Pure Silicon - Single-crystal silicon ingots are prepared using advanced growth methods.
Neutron Irradiation - Ingots are placed in specialised cans and exposed to thermal neutrons inside the OPAL reactor.
Atomic Transformation - Neutrons convert some silicon atoms into phosphorus, creating n-type silicon.
Cooling and Testing - After a short cooling period, the silicon is cleaned, tested for resistivity and shipped to manufacturers.
"ANSTO's process creates a uniformly doped semiconductor material with exceptional electrical properties," said Pullen.
"Unlike traditional chemical methods, neutron irradiation ensures unmatched uniformity and precision, making NTD silicon indispensable for high-performance power electronics."
