Silicon-Based Life

Silicon-based life is a proposed chemical makeup for life on other planets, as silicon forms chemical bonds similar to carbon.  The Miller-Urey experiment simulated predicted conditions on the early Earth and proved that amino-acids, the precursors to life, could form under them.

I adapted the experiment to be more advantageous toward the formation of organosilicon compounds replacing water with ammonium hydroxide and carbon compounds with orthosilicic acid. After running the experiment for two weeks the solution became cloudy and yellowish. I sent the materials to be analyzed using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy).

From conducting this investigation I learned the process of planning and executing an experiment through research of different hypotheses and theories. I also learned the process of communication of my research through writing a paper, presenting my findings, and corresponding with different analysis labs.

 I found that the silicon remained trapped in the form of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate while the carbon got to form other compounds like Tetramethyl Ammonium Chloride. Based on our results I concluded that silicon-based life could only form on a planet with no carbon, no oxygen, and no water in its standard form. 

After performing this experiment I used my knowledge of the possibility of silicon-based life to create a short educational video for the Breakthrough Junior Challenge. I used 2D and 3D animation to communicate this topic in a more digestible manner. My video was one of the finalists for the competition. 

Link to paper