**1. Introduction**

Silicon (Si) is a member of Group 14 (IVA) in the periodic table of elements. Si is also part of the carbon family. This family elements include C, Ge, Sn, and Pb. Silicon is a metalloid, one of only a very few elements that have properties of both metals and non-metals. Si is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, apart from oxygen.
