Indium Iodide


Indium iodide (InI) is an inorganic compound with a distinct almost black appearance,typically available as a solid powder.Known for its stability at room temperature and ambient pressure,indium iodide is resistant to water and acids,making it an ideal material for various laboratory and industrial applications.This compound plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of other indium-based materials and serves as an essential reagent in chemical processes.Below,we will explore its physical and chemical properties,synthesis methods, and a detailed examination of its applications in a variety of fields.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Indium Iodide

CAS No.:13966-94-4EINECS No.:237-746-3Molecular Formula:InIMolecular Weight:241.72
Melting Point:351℃Boiling Point:715℃

Indium iodide is typically produced as a dark-colored solid,and its stable nature makes it an excellent candidate for a range of chemical applications.It is relatively stable under normal conditions,non-reactive with water,and resistant to most common acids,which distinguishes it from other halides that may be more reactive.

Indium iodide’s melting point of 351℃ and boiling point of 715℃ indicate that it is stable and retains its solid form under moderate to high temperatures.Its high thermal stability and relatively high density make it suitable for high-performance applications in demanding environments.

Applications

Despite being primarily used in laboratory settings,indium iodide has several critical applications due to its unique properties.The compound’s high thermal stability,chemical resistance,and ability to form complexes make it versatile in various fields,particularly in chemical synthesis,electronics,and material science.Below are some of the primary uses of indium iodide:

1.Laboratory Reagent

Indium(I) iodide is most commonly used as a reagent in laboratories.It is often utilized in synthetic chemistry for its ability to undergo electrophilic substitution reactions,making it useful in the synthesis of indium-based complexes and other chemical compounds.

  • Precursors for Other Indium Compounds:Indium iodide is a key starting material for the synthesis of other indium-based compounds.It can be used as a precursor to indium(III) compounds,which find applications in the production of semiconductors,optics,and displays.
  • Catalysis:In certain reactions,indium iodide can be used as a catalyst or catalyst precursor to facilitate the synthesis of organic compounds.Its ability to interact with various halides and reactants can help improve the yield and efficiency of chemical processes.

2.Semiconductor Industry

Indium(I) iodide plays a crucial role in the semiconductor industry,particularly in the manufacture of indium-based semiconductors and alloys.Indium compounds,such as indium iodide,are essential in the creation of thin films and other semiconductor devices.These devices have applications in electronics,including:

  • LEDs:Indium is a critical component in the production of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs,where indium iodide may be used as a source material for creating indium-based semiconductor films.
  • Solar Cells:Indium iodide is also important in the synthesis of materials used in photovoltaic cells.Indium compounds,often derived from indium iodide,are utilized to improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells.
  • Photodetectors:As part of the creation of optoelectronic devices,indium iodide can be used to fabricate infrared photodetectors and diodes that are sensitive to light.

3.Thin Film Deposition

One of the significant applications of indium iodide is in thin film deposition,particularly in the production of optical coatings and thin-film semiconductors.Indium iodide can be used as a precursor in processes like chemical vapor deposition(CVD) or atomic layer deposition(ALD) to create thin films of indium based materials.

  • Indium Films:Thin films of indium,produced from indium iodide,are employed in a variety of industries,including electronics,displays,and solar technology.These films have excellent electrical conductivity and optical properties,making them valuable for use in transparent conductive oxides(TCOs),which are integral to touch screens,solar panels,and flat-panel displays.

4.Synthesis of Other Indium Compounds

Indium(I) iodide serves as an important precursor for the synthesis of various indium-based compounds,including indium phosphide(InP),indium tin oxide (ITO),and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs).These compounds have a broad range of uses in the electronics,telecommunications, and semiconductor industries.

  • Indium Phosphide (InP):Indium iodide is a key material for producing indium phosphide,an important semiconductor used in high-speed and high-frequency applications,including fiber-optic communication systems.
  • Indium Tin Oxide (ITO):Indium iodide can be used as a starting material for producing indium tin oxide,a material widely used as a transparent conductive oxide in flat panel display,touch screens,and solar cells.

5.High-Purity Materials and Specialized Applications

In addition to its widespread use in chemical synthesis and electronics,indium iodide is also used in high-purity material production for specialized applications.It is often involved in the production of high-quality indium metal and indium alloys,which are used in aerospace,medical devices,and research laboratories.

  • High-Purity Indium:Indium(I) iodide is sometimes employed in the purification of indium metal,where it can help remove impurities and achieve the desired level of purity.

Indium(I) iodide (InI) is a highly versatile inorganic compound with wide-ranging applications in laboratories, electronics,and the chemical industry.Its chemical stability,thermal resistance,and ability to form indium-based compounds make it an essential material in semiconductor production,thin-film deposition,and the synthesis of high-purity indium materials.While it is primarily used as a laboratory reagent,its role as a precursor to various high-performance materials positions it as a critical compound in advancing electronics technology,solar energy systems,and optical coatings.Through its use in the developoment of semiconductors,LEDs,solar cells, and advanced materials, indium iodide continues to play a key role in cutting-edge industries.