Tags
This is an interesting article exploring the use of longer chain silanes (Si_n*H_2n+2) as a combustible fuel that could potentially be produced from sand (SiO2) and H2, where the H2 could be produced from solar-water splitting:
http://blog.hasslberger.com/2010/03/turning_sand_into_fuel_silicon.html
As described in the article, silanes are interesting for a number of reasons, including the facts that larger silanes are liquid at room temperature, and that N2 partakes in the combustion process.
The article cites the work of the German chemist Dr. Peter Plichta. Much of the work on this subject appears to be published in German.
Esposito Research Group Blog 