ITO INDIUM BOOKMARK FACTS
(ito indium)
ELEMENT PROFILE: Discovered in 1863 by Reich and Richter via spectroscopy. A rare, soft, silvery-white post-transition metal. Symbol: In. Atomic Number: 49. Low melting point (156.6°C), malleable, and ductile. Naturally occurs alongside zinc ores. Rarer than silver.
KEY PROPERTY: Outstanding electrical conductivity combined with optical transparency when processed into its oxide form. This unique combination is critical.
THE POWER OF ITO: Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is the superstar application. This compound, typically 90% In₂O₃ and 10% SnO₂, forms transparent conductive films essential for modern electronics. ITO is the workhorse behind touchscreens.
PRIMARY APPLICATIONS:
* **Touchscreens & Displays:** Found in virtually every smartphone, tablet, laptop, and flat-panel TV. ITO coatings enable touch functionality and electrode layers in LCDs, OLEDs, and plasma displays.
* **Solar Panels:** Used as the transparent conductive top layer in many thin-film photovoltaic cells (like CIGS) to collect current while letting light pass.
* **LEDs & Lighting:** Employed as transparent electrodes in many LED devices and energy-efficient lighting.
* **Thin-Film Coatings:** Provides defrosting/anti-static layers for aircraft windows and freezer displays.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT USES:
* **Solders & Alloys:** Low-melting point alloys for electronics assembly, fusible plugs, and thermal interface materials.
* **Semiconductors:** Used in compounds like indium phosphide (InP) and indium antimonide (InSb) for high-speed electronics and infrared detectors.
* **Nuclear Reactors:** Used in control rods due to its high neutron capture cross-section.
(ito indium)
SUPPLY & CONCERNS: Indium is a by-product of zinc mining. Primary producers include China, South Korea, Japan, and Canada. Limited primary deposits and complex extraction make it a critical material. Price volatility and supply chain security are ongoing concerns. Recycling from manufacturing scrap and end-of-life products is increasing but remains challenging and insufficient to meet total demand. Responsible sourcing is vital.
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