Scandium oxide has two important market applications. The first is used in aluminum alloys. Scandium oxide can be used in any field where aluminum alloys need to be used. This is a huge potential market. Applications in the space field, such as the new generation of light aircraft, and the framework of some other transportation tools, such as cars and trains. Scandium oxide is an effective element to enhance the performance of aluminum. It is usually used as "spice metal". Adding 0.1% scandium in aluminum can greatly improve its characteristics.
The second main application field of scandium oxide is solid oxide fuel cell, which is an all solid state chemical power generation device that directly converts the chemical energy stored in fuel and oxidant into electrical energy in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner at medium and high temperatures. Solid fuel cells work through electrochemical reaction. In this process, as an electrolyte containing scandium, scandium plays a crucial role in improving the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. In short, solid oxide fuel cell is a more clean, environment-friendly and energy-saving independent small power station. In the global scope, the market of solid oxide fuel cell still has a huge potential growth space.
The use of scandium is still being discovered, and it seems that there is still infinite possibility. Manufacturers have fully realized the advantages of scandium. However, due to supply reasons, they cannot produce products containing scandium on a large scale. Many innovative technologies will continue to emerge and develop in the next decade, and accordingly, the demand for scandium will continue to grow.
