Indium oxide (In2O3) is a faint yellow,amorphous powder that transforms into a reddish-brown color upon heating.It is an inorganic compound of indium that is widely utilized in various industrial applications due to its unique properties.Indium oxide is insoluble in water but dissolves in hot inorganic acids,making it an important material in several chemical processes and advanced technology applications.This compound plays a significant role as a precursor in the manufacture of transparent conductive coatings,electronic components,and other high-performance materials.
The transformation of indium oxide into indium metal or other lower valence oxides occurs when it is exposed to reducing agents such as hydrogen.This property is utilized in the production of high-purity indium metal from its oxide.Indium oxide is also commonly used in the synthesis of various indium salts such as indium sulfide (In2S3), indium nitride (InN), and indium sulfate(In2SO4),which find applications in electronics,optics,and optoelectronics.
Indium oxide is primarily produced from indium metal or indium hydroxide through oxidation,and it is available in various grades,including high-purity forms for specialized applications.These include ultra-high purity grades(99.99% and 99.999%) that are crucial in the electronics industry and other high-tech fields.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Indium Oxide
Purity:99.99%, 99.999%
| CAS No.:1312-43-2 | EINECS No.:215-193-9 | Molecular Formula:In2O3 | Molecular Weight:277.64 |
| Density:7.179 | Melting Point:2000℃ | UN 1993 3/PG 2 |
Indium oxide is characterized by its high melting point (2000℃),which makes it suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as coatings and semiconductor processing.The compound is a wide bandgap semiconductor,exhibiting interesting optical and electronic properties that make it highly suitable for applications in transparent conductive films and other optoelectronic devices.Its density (7.179g/cm3)is relatively high compared to many other metal oxides,which also influences its thermal and mechanical properties.
One of the distinguishing features of indium oxide is its amorphous nature in its raw form, which can be converted to crystallie structures upon heating.The color change from yellow to reddish-brown upon heating is indicative of the compound’s ability to undergo physical and chemical transformation,making it useful in a variety of chemical and physical applications.
Production and Synthesis:Indium oxide is typically produced by oxidizing indium metal or indium hydroxide in air.When indium metal is heated in the presence of oxygen,it forms indium trioxide(In2O3),a process commonly used in industrial-scale production.The synthesis of high-purity indium oxide requires precise control of the oxidation process to avoid contamination by other elements and ensure the desired purity for sensitive applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
Reducing indium oxide in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere or with other reducing agents leads to the formation of indium metal or lower oxide forms,such as indium suboxide(In2O).This property is usedful in the recycling of indium from spent materials and in the production of pure indium metal from its oxide form.
Applications
1.Transparent Conductive Coatings(TCOs):One of the most important applications of indium oxide,particularly in its nanopowder form,is in the production of transparent conductive coatings(TCOs) and films.These films are widely used in the electronics and photovoltaic industries,especially in applications such as flat-panel displays,touchscreens,solar cells,and other optoelectronic devices.Indium oxide has excellent electrical conductivity while maintaining high transparency to visible light,making it ideal for use in these technologies.
2.Indium Tin Oxide (ITO):Indium oxide is a key precursor in the production of indium tin oxide (ITO), a widely used material for transparent conducting films.ITO is used extensively in the production of flat-panel displays(FPDs),liquid crystal displays (LCDs),organic light-emitting diodes(OLEDs), and touch screens.ITO coatings are essential for the proper funcitioning of these devices as they allow the passage of light while also enabling electrical condutivity.ITO is also used in solar cells and other optoelectronic applicaitons.
3.Electronics and Semiconductor Industry:In2O3 is used in the electronics industry as a raw material for various components,such as semiconductors and electronic circuits.Its role as a material for transparent conductors is crucial in the development of transparent electronics and flexible displays.The semiconductor properties of indium oxide, especially in its doped forms,make it valuable for a wide range of electronic devices,including transistors,diodes,and capacitors.Additionally, In2O3 is used in some types of sensors,including gas sensors and photodetectors.
4.Optical Coatings and Reflective Coatings:In2O3 is also used as a protective coating for metal reflective surfaces,particularly in optical systems.The ability of indium oxide to reflect infrared radiation while remaining transparent to visible light is an important feature for optical coatings used in mirrors,lenses,and other optical devices.It is used in the creation of coatings that protect optical components from oxidation and wear,enhancing their durability and performance in harsh environments.
5.Catalysis and Chemical Reactions:In2O3 is used as a catalyst in certain chemical processes,particularly in the production of organic chemicals and in reactions involving the oxidation of hydrocarbons.The high surface area and reactivity of indium oxide make it an effective catalyst for a range of applications,includig the production of high-purity chemicals and in the petroleum industry.
6.Raw Material for Other Indium Compounds:Indium oxide serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various other indium compounds,including indium sulfate,indium sulfide(In2S3),indium trichloride(InCl3),and indium nitride (InN).These compounds have a wide range of applications in electronics,optics,and materials science.For example,indium sulfide is used in photovoltaic cells and thin-film solar technologies,while indium trichloride is an important precursor for the production of other indium-based materials.
7.Protective Coatings for High-Temperature Applications:Due to its high melting point and stability.In2O3 is used in high-temperature applications as a protective coating for metals and other materials exposed to extreme conditions.It helps to prevent corrosion and oxidation,thereby increasing the longevity and performance of materials used in harsh environments,such as aerospace,automotive,and industrial applications.
8.Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials:The unique properties of In2O3 nanoparticles have made them an attractive material for use in nanotechnology and advanced materials research.Nano-sized indium oxide particles are being explored for use in various applications,including in the development of sensors,catalysis,and energy storage devices.Their high surface are and unique optical and electronic properties make them a promising material for future technological advancements.
In2O3 is a versatile material with a wide range of applications in modern technology.From its role in the production of transparent conductive coatings and ITO films to its use in semiconductors,optical coatings,and catalysis,indium oxide plays a critical role in many industries.Its ability to form stable compounds and its chemical reactivity make it an essential material for advanced applications in electronics,optics,and materials science.
As research and technology continue to evolve,the demand for high-purity indium oxide will likely increase,especially in sectors such as photovoltaics,electronics,and nanotechnology.At Zegen Advanced Materials,we are committed to providing high-quality indium oxide products to meet the growing demands of these industries,ensuring that our customers have access to the materials needed for cutting-edge research and manufacturing.