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Send EmailIndium Oxide, Indium Trioxide, 1312-43-2
INDIUM OXIDE (IN₂O₃)
INDIUM OXIDE / INDIUM TRIOXIDE / INDIUM(III) OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Indium Oxide |
| Chemical Name | Indium(III) Oxide, Indium Trioxide |
| Other Names | In₂O₃ |
| CAS Number | 1312-43-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-193-9 |
| Chemical Formula | In₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 277.64 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light yellow crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Indium oxide is an inorganic compound of indium and oxygen. Indium ions (In³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are present in a 2:3 ratio. It has a cubic crystal structure (bixbyite type). It is a wide bandgap semiconductor (~2.9 eV). It is known for its high optical transparency, electrical conductivity (when doped), and thermal stability. It is insoluble in water but soluble in acids.
Structural Features:
INDIUM OXIDE [In₂O₃]
|
In³⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Cubic (Bixbyite) White-Yellow Wide Bandgap
Crystal Structure Powder Form (~2.9 eV)
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Cubic (bixbyite type) |
| Chemical Formula | In₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 277.64 g/mol |
| Density | ~7.18 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White to light yellow crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | ~1,910 °C |
| Band Gap | ~2.9 eV |
| Refractive Index | ~2.0 |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to light yellow crystalline powder | Color shade depends on purity |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | In₂O₃ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 277.64 g/mol | - |
| Density | ~7.18 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~1,910 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Forms indium salts |
| Solubility in Alcohol | Insoluble | - |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic (bixbyite) | - |
| Band Gap | ~2.9 eV | Wide bandgap semiconductor |
| Optical Transparency | Transparent to visible light | Optoelectronic applications |
| Electrical Conductivity | Enhanced by doping | ITO form |
| Thermal Stability | High | - |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
4. PURITY GRADES
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade | Analytical Grade | Ultra-High Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (In₂O₃) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.9% | ≥ 99.99% |
| Indium (In) Content | ≥ 82.0% | ≥ 82.3% | ≥ 82.5% | ≥ 82.7% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 0.2% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Particle Size (D50) | 5-20 µm | 1-10 µm | 0.5-5 µm | 0.2-2 µm |
| BET Surface Area | 5-15 m²/g | 10-20 m²/g | 15-30 m²/g | 20-50 m²/g |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable in air; stable at high temperatures. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong acids, high humidity (prolonged), reducing atmosphere. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong reducing agents, halogens. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: indium oxide (In₂O₃) is stable; with acids: indium salts. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
Reaction with Acids:
In₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2InCl₃ + 3H₂O
In₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2In(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O
In₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → In₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂O
Reaction with Bases:
In₂O₃ + 2NaOH + 3H₂O → 2Na[In(OH)₄] (amphoteric behavior)
Reduction (at High Temperature):
In₂O₃ + 3H₂ → 2In + 3H₂O
In₂O₃ + 3C → 2In + 3CO
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Electronics and Optoelectronics
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) | Conductive and transparent layer | Touch screens, solar cells |
| Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) | High conductivity | Flat panel displays, LEDs |
| Thin Film Transistors | Active layer | Display technologies |
| OLED and LED | Transparent electrode | Lighting and display applications |
6.2. Glass and Coatings
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Coatings | Transparency and conductivity | Smart windows, heated glass |
| Optical Coatings | Anti-reflection | Special optical applications |
| Protective Coatings | Surface protection | Industrial applications |
6.3. Ceramics
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Ceramics | Additive | Mechanical and thermal properties |
| High Temperature Ceramics | Thermal stability | Refractory applications |
6.4. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Reactions | Catalyst | Oxidation reactions |
| Environmental Catalyst | Pollutant degradation | Wastewater and air treatment |
6.5. Research
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nanostructures and Thin Films | Advanced materials science | Epitaxial growth |
| Materials Science Research | Fundamental research | New material development |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | Suitable | TCO, ITO, thin film transistors |
| Optoelectronics | Suitable | LED, OLED, solar cells |
| Glass and Coatings | Suitable | Transparent conductive coatings |
| Ceramics | Suitable | Advanced ceramics |
| Catalyst | Suitable | Organic reactions, environmental catalyst |
| Research | Suitable | Nanostructures, materials science |
| Food | Not Suitable | Not suitable |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Not suitable |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Indium metal or indium salts | High purity indium sources |
| 2. Oxidation | Thermal oxidation | Heating indium metal in air |
| 3. Chemical Precipitation | Nitrate/chloride precipitation | Precipitation of indium salts |
| 4. Calcination | Thermal treatment | Conversion to oxide form (600-900°C) |
| 5. Milling | Mechanical processing | Achieving desired particle size |
| 6. Quality Control | Analysis and testing | ICP-OES, XRD, BET surface area |
7.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Major producer |
| South Korea | Advanced electronic materials |
| Japan | High purity production |
| Belgium | Indium refining |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tin Oxide (SnO₂) | Transparent conductive oxide | Lower cost alternative |
| Zinc Oxide (ZnO) | Transparent conductive oxide | When different optical properties are required |
| Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) | Transparent conductive oxide | Lower cost alternative to ITO |
| Antimony-doped Tin Oxide (ATO) | Transparent conductive oxide | When different conductivity is required |
| Indium Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of indium is required |
9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Fine dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Indium compounds have low bioavailability; prolonged exposure may cause lung effects. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
9.1. GHS Classification
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315: Causes skin irritation. |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity | Category 3 | H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust. |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. |
11. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention. |
12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure a moisture-free environment. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C). |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months under appropriate conditions. |
| Stability Note | Stable under normal conditions; keep away from acids and reducing agents. |
13. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Packaging | 10 g, 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 500 g | HDPE bottle, aluminum foil bag |
| Industrial Packaging | 25 kg | PE-lined kraft bag, moisture-proof |
| Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE drum, moisture-proof |
| IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | 500 kg, 1000 kg | Moisture-proof, palletized |
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for metal oxides) |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (special precautions may be required for powder form) |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| HS Code | 2825.90.00.00.00 (Other metal oxides) |
15. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered |
| EINECS | 215-193-9 |
| China | Registered; major production and export country |
16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Indium Trioxide | Chemical name |
| Indium(III) Oxide | Chemical name |
| In₂O₃ | Chemical abbreviation |
| Indium Oxide Powder | Common name |
| ITO Precursor | Application description |
| TCO Material | Functional description |
17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1312-43-2 |
| EC Number | 215-193-9 |
| Chemical Formula | In₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 277.64 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light yellow crystalline powder |
| Density | ~7.18 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1,910 °C |
| Band Gap | ~2.9 eV |
| HS Code | 2825.90.00.00.00 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
ITO Precursor: Indium oxide is the main precursor for Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) production. ITO is the most widely used transparent conductive material in touch screens, flat panel displays, solar cells, and LED applications.
Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO): The combination of high optical transparency and electrical conductivity is critical for optoelectronic applications.
Amphoteric Behavior: Reacts with both acids and bases.
High Purity Requirement: Electronic and optoelectronic applications require high purity (>99.9%). Impurities negatively affect ITO performance.
Critical Raw Material: Indium is a rare and critical metal; supply chain risks should be considered.
Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.
Keep away from acids and reducing agents.
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
Handling:
Use in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation.
Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.
Avoid dust formation and inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
For dissolution in acids, add oxide to acid slowly with cooling and stirring.
Ensure controlled sintering and atmosphere conditions for ITO production.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Do not discharge into water sources.
For large quantities, indium recovery should be considered (valuable and critical metal).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Indium oxide is a critical material for optoelectronic applications; careful handling, storage, and recycling planning are required due to high purity requirements and critical raw material status.