Silicon is not always insulating: A shift in the angle between silicon and oxygen atoms creates a highway for an electrical charge

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1084991

"semiconductors typically rigid but when composed of silicone can be flexible... Si—O—Si: 140° bond angle in ground (non-conducting) state, stretches to 150° bond angle in excited (conducting) state... longer chain length makes easier for electrons to travel longer distances, reducing energy needed to absorb light/ then emit it at lower energies... can control copolymer chain length which controls light emission: longer gives silicone red tint, shorter gives blue tint... soft/ flexible electronics/ PVs, screens, sensors"