The primary disadvantage of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is its high cost and the inherent limitations concerning its supply. This stems directly from the rarity of indium, a key component in its composition.
High Cost Driven by Indium Rarity
Indium is a rare metal, making it inherently expensive to source. As a result, the manufacturing cost of ITO, which relies heavily on indium, is significantly elevated. This high material cost directly impacts the final product price for devices utilizing ITO.
Supply Sustainability Challenges
The global demand for ITO has been steadily increasing, driven by its widespread use in essential modern technologies. However, the limited availability of indium poses a significant challenge to the long-term sustainability of ITO supply. Key applications fueling this demand include:
- Touch screens: Found in smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays.
- Displays: Used in LCDs, OLEDs, and other flat-panel displays.
- Solar cells: Essential for transparent electrodes in photovoltaic devices.
The combination of indium's scarcity and the escalating demand across various high-volume industries raises serious concerns about the future stability and accessibility of ITO. This pushes researchers and manufacturers to explore alternative transparent conductive materials.
