Indium - In
| Atomic number | 49 |
|---|---|
| Group / period / block | 13 / 5 / p |
| Relative atomic mass | 114.818 |
| Density at 20 °C | 7.31 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 156.60 °C |
| Boiling point | 2027 °C |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p1 |
Indium
Indium is a soft, silvery metal used mainly in indium tin oxide coatings for touchscreens, flat-panel displays and solar cells. It is also used in semiconductor compounds and low-melting alloys. Indium is often recovered as a by-product of zinc refining.
Indium metal is stable in air and water, but dissolved indium compounds can behave differently. In process water, its concentration and form depend on pH, complexing substances and suspended solids.
Indium in water treatment
Water-treatment context: Indium may be relevant to electronics, semiconductor or zinc-processing wastewater. Distinguish total from dissolved indium and identify its chemical form and co-occurring metals before choosing a treatment or recovery process. The element name alone does not determine a separation method.
Elemental substances and dissolved or gaseous species behave differently in water. Water chemistry and the exact chemical form must be considered when assessing treatment.
Back to the periodic table of elements
Sources and further reading
Indium page last reviewed: by Lenntech.