Recycling of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) Sputtering Target

views, Updated: 2021-09-27

It is important to understand the economics of ITO. The main precursor of ITO is indium (metal). Indium is a semiprecious metal and trades on the open market like gold and silver. It is subject to price fluctuations just like the other precious metals. So, there is an economic impetus to reclaim as much of the unused ITO as possible.

 

Flat-panel displays employ a sputtered ITO coating. The indium metal must first be converted to indium oxide and then blended with the appropriate tin oxide amount. The result is a pale green powder. For the ITO to be usable, it must first be compressed into a sputtering target. Planar sputtering targets are the dominant form of sputtering target used for sputtering of ITO. The geometry of the ITO sputtering target is often a rectangle or disc. Compressing the powder causes it to take on a darker color. Inherent to the sputtering process is the uneven erosion of the sputtering target. The remaining material is unusable in the sputtering process. In the case of an ITO sputtering target, the unused portion can represent a significant indium amount. It makes sense to reclaim or recycle as much of the target as possible.

1. The target user breaks up the remaining ITO sputtering target into chunks.

2. The chunk ITO is sent to a recycling/reclaim center, where the chunk ITO is converted back into indium metal. And the cycle starts all over again.

AEM Deposition is a leading manufacturer of ITO sputtering targets from China. We have over 10 years of experience producing and selling ITO targets and providing stabilized quality & purity for our clients. If you have any questions about high-quality ITO sputtering targets, you can click the link to get more details of ITO sputtering targets.  You can also contact us, and our sales department will give you the best possible solution.