On the Existence of Silicon Nanodust near the Sun

Abstract

We study the sublimation sequence of silicate dust in the inner solar system and show that only metal oxides survive at small distances from the Sun, while silicon sublimates at moderate temperatures. Consideration of laboratory studies showing the generation of Si nanocrystals suggests that their conditions do not resemble those in the inner solar system. We conclude that it is not reasonable to suggest the presence of Si nanoparticles in the vicinity of the Sun.