Indium is a rare metal that has a number of unique properties and uses.
Sources of Indium: Indium is a rare metal and is primarily obtained as a byproduct of zinc mining. The largest producers of indium are China, Canada, and Japan.
Uses of Indium:
LCD displays: Indium is used in the production of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) due to its ability to form conductive films.
Solar cells: Indium is used in the production of thin-film solar cells due to its ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.
Semiconductors: Indium is used as a dopant in the production of semiconductors due to its ability to improve the electrical properties of materials.
Alloys: Indium is used in alloys to improve their strength and workability.
Properties of Indium:
Density: Indium has a density of 7.31 g/cm3.
Melting point: The melting point of indium is 156.61°C.
Chemical stability: Indium is highly resistant to corrosion and is commonly used in the production of electronic devices.
Conductivity: Indium is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
Extraction of Indium: Indium is extracted from its ores through a process called hydrometallurgical refining, which uses aqueous solutions to dissolve the metal and separate it from other elements. The purified indium is then recovered through a series of chemical processes.