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SOFCs

SOFCs

SOFCs are one of the main applications of scandium oxide. Scandium is used as a dopant for zirconia (ScSZ) in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). Thus, the metal can increase the lifespan and efficiency of batteries and reduce their operating temperature. The cell has “the highest output potential of any electrolyte-supported fuel cell,” not least because the ScSZ cathode has the highest ionic conductivity of any option for a low-temperature SOFC.

SUNIWAY is a renowned distributor for a globally recognized manufacturer of scandium oxide. Each step of the manufacturing process is completed in-house, enabling quality-control over key material attributes (purity, appearance, particle size) within-lot and consistency from lot-to-lot. In addition to scandium oxide (scandia), OSC offers zirconium oxide used in SOFC production as well. Supported by an experienced R&D and technology team, OSC offers customization services for all of our materials.

Market Demand

The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) market is currently the largest market for scandium oxide, representing an estimated 76% in 2018. SOFC growth, has been consistently strong and could achieve more than 20% annual growth over the outlook period.

Some Informations

Scandium has the atomic number 21 and is represented in the periodic table by the symbol ‘Sc’. Scandium is extracted from one of Scandinavia’s rare minerals. When exposed to air, it develops a yellowish or pinkish cast. Scandium has the property of easily tarnishing and burning when ignited. It will also dissolve in acids and react with hydrogen gas. Scandium is produced by heating scandium fluoride (ScF3) with calcium metal. This uncommon chemical can be found in household items such as glasses, energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, and televisions.
 
Scandium powder is used in a wide range of applications. It has an atomic weight of 44,956 and an atomic number of 21. It is the twenty-first element of the periodic table and the first element of the transition group in the first long period; it has the isotopes 40 Sc and 51 Sc, as well as an intermediate value isotope known as 45 Sc; all of these isotopes are produced as a result of nuclear reactions. Scandium was discovered in 1879 by L.F. Nilson while conducting rare earth studies. It is a soft, white metal with silver tones that, when exposed to air, promotes the formation of a white nitride layer and, when exposed to water, burns, producing a flame with yellow and red tones. Scandium powder and some other scandium compounds are frequently used as catalysts in the conversion of acetic acid to acetone. It can also be used to improve the germination of vegetable seeds.
 
Scandium is a soft, silvery, yellow-white metal that belongs to Periodic Group 3 and is the leader of a group of ten metals known as the First Row Transition Elements. Scandium ranks 35th in terms of abundance in the Earth’s crust. It tarnishes in the air and burns easily once ignited. It reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas and dissolves in a variety of acids. Scandium is a very light metal with a relatively high melting point and good corrosion resistance. It is also a rare metal, not because it is difficult to find, but because it is difficult to find in a high concentration (i.e. an ore) and is thinly distributed around the world (0.0025% of the Earth’s crust), making collection and purification costly and time-consuming.
 

Scandium plays a critical role in high-performance industries, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Scandium is widely used in aluminum-scandium alloys, which are essential for manufacturing lightweight, durable components in aircraft, space vehicles, and automotive applications. These alloys offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, improved corrosion resistance, and enhanced weldability, making them ideal for cutting-edge aerospace and automotive technologies.

In addition to its alloying benefits, scandium is also pivotal in energy applications. Scandium-stabilized zirconia is used in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) due to its excellent ionic conductivity and thermal stability, which are crucial for efficient energy generation.

Beyond these applications, scandium compounds have specialized uses in other advanced technologies. Scandium iodide is utilized in mercury vapor lamps, simulating natural sunlight for film and television studios. Scandium oxide (scandia) is employed in producing high-intensity “stadium” lights, while the radioactive isotope 45Sc serves as a tracing agent in oil refineries. Additionally, scandium sulfate in trace amounts can enhance the germination of seeds such as corn, peas, and wheat.

The two most promising applications for scandium are in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and scandium-aluminum alloys. Scandium is used extensively in SOFCs. Through continuous heat-producing internal reactions, these fuel cells can produce energy very cheaply and efficiently. SOFCs can be powered by cheap natural gas, and the total electricity generated by these cells costs only cents per kilowatt hour. Meanwhile, scandium-aluminum alloys show great promise in a variety of applications. This alloy is light and strong, and it can be used in airplanes and other high-performance applications. Scandium-aluminum alloys can also be used in 3D printing, which produces CAD models made entirely of metal. Scandium has a variety of other applications due to its lightness and strength. These are some examples: Ceramics: By combining about 20% scandium carbide and titanium carbide, a very hard mixed carbide can be produced. To put this in context, the material is only slightly softer than diamonds. Electronics: Scandium is an important constituent of the laser material gadolinium scandium gallium garnet (GSGG). GSGG is said to be three times more effective than a similar material made of yttrium and aluminum. Scandium can also be used in computer switches. To make these switches work, undulating light passes through garnet and microwave equipment. Lighting: The critical metal can also be used to make high-intensity lights that look like natural light. Scandium has a broad emission spectrum that is similar to sunlight and is used effectively for camera lighting as well as movie and television studio lights. Phosphorus and displays: Scandium compounds can act as a host for phosphorous, which is frequently the activator ion in TV and computer monitors, because scandium can activate red luminous material, which is useful in TV displays. However, due to the current high cost of scandium, this application is not widely used. Finally, scandium is very similar to yttrium in both composition and application. Given the likelihood that the world will face a yttrium shortage, scandium may find applications as a yttrium substitute in energy-efficient lighting systems and chemical refining technologies. In fact, scandium is more effective than yttrium in some cases. It is a better electrical conductor and is already known to perform well in high-performance lighting. Scandium is currently about 100 times the price of yttrium, but when the comparative benefits of scandium are considered, the cost disadvantage for the critical metal may be minimized.