The Removal of Tin from ITO-scrap Using Molten NaOH

Indium demand has grown abruptly in the last few years at an average of ten percent per year. Consumption of indium is expected to increase throughout the next decade, especially by dint of growth for liquid crystal displays, high-definition television, semiconductor materials, batteries, low-temper-ature solders, and electronic application. Indium is used in various forms such as indium oxide/indium-tin oxide, indium metal and alloy, and indium compounds.1,2 Indium-tin oxide (ITO) formed by doping indium oxide with approximately 10 % of tin oxide, increases both elec-trical conductivity without significantly affecting trans-parency. Flat panel display applications for indium in the form of ITO are the most important end uses, more than one-half of the world,s indium consumption. ITO, which has a high optical transparency and a high electrical conductivity,