Abundance: Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, after oxygen. Germanium, on the other hand, is relatively rare. This makes silicon much more cost-effective to obtain and use.
Cost: Because of its abundance, silicon is much less expensive than germanium. This is a significant factor in the semiconductor industry, where costs must be kept low to produce affordable electronic devices.
Stability: Silicon is a more stable element than germanium. It is less prone to oxidation and other chemical reactions that can affect semiconductor performance. This makes silicon more reliable and durable for long-term use in electronic devices.
Higher carrier mobility: The mobility of charge carriers (electrons and holes) in silicon is higher than in germanium. This means that electrons and holes can move more quickly and easily through silicon, allowing for faster and more efficient operation of electronic devices.
Better oxide properties: Silicon dioxide (SiO2), which forms naturally on the surface of silicon, is an excellent insulator with high dielectric strength. This makes it ideal for use as a gate oxide in transistors, providing good control over the flow of current. Germanium oxide, on the other hand, is not as stable or reliable.
Established technology: Silicon has been used in the semiconductor industry for decades, and a vast ecosystem of manufacturing processes, tools, and expertise has been developed around it. This makes it easier to produce high-quality silicon-based devices with reliable and consistent results.
Historical factors: The early development of the semiconductor industry in the United States, where silicon was readily available, further contributed to its dominance over germanium.
While germanium does have some advantages over silicon in specific applications, such as high-speed electronics and high-power devices, silicon's overall properties, abundance, and established technology have made it the preferred choice for the vast majority of semiconductor applications.
