Scandium oxide

Scandium oxide (CAS 12060-08-1), also referred to commercially as scandia, scandium(III) oxide, or scandium sesquioxide, is a refractory rare earth oxide with the empirical formula Sc₂O₃. An anhydrous white powder, it is the principal precursor for the majority of scandium-bearing materials used across advanced manufacturing sectors, including Mining & Metals, Electronics & Solar PV, Oil, Gas & Energy, and Aerospace & Defense.

Where is Scandium oxide used?

• Mining & Metals: upstream oxide feed for aluminium–scandium (Al-Sc) master alloys
• Electronics & Solar PV: evaporation tablets and sputter targets for physical vapour deposition (PVD)
• Oil, Gas & Energy: scandium-stabilised zirconia (ScSZ) electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC)
• Aerospace & Defense: scandium addition to aluminium alloys refines grain structure and improves strength-to-weight ratio and weldability
• High-temperature dielectric ceramics and electroceramic components require phase purity
• UV-transmitting optical coatings, laser crystal fabrication (including Er,Cr:YSGG host matrices), and metal halide lamp arc tubes utilise 5N or 6N material.

Good to know: Scandium-stabilised zirconia (ScSZ) electrolytes are typically formulated at approximately 10 mol % Sc₂O₃ and require 4N or 5N grade. Optical and photonic applications place the most stringent demands on purity.

Commercial specifications

• Grades span 99 % (3N) through 99.9999 % (6N) purity, quoted on a rare earth oxide basis as Sc₂O₃/TREO
• Typical trade specifications report TREO ≥ 99 % with Sc₂O₃/TREO reaching 99.9 %, 99.99 %, or 99.999 % depending on grade tier
• Loss on ignition (LOI) is generally ≤ 1 %
• Median particle size (d50) for standard powder grades typically falls in the 10–15 µm range
• Packaging: 100 g to 1 kg bottles for research and process development quantities; 5–25 kg drums for industrial quantities depending on purity tier and end-use specification