Scandium

Scandium (chemical symbol: Sc) is a rare, silvery-white transition metal belonging to the group of rare earth elements. Its CAS number is 7440-20-2, with EC number 231-129-2. The molecular formula is Sc, and it has a molar mass of 44.96 g/mol

Chemically, scandium is relatively stable at room temperature but can ignite when heated, making it necessary to store in dry, closed containers away from heat and ignition sources. It must not be extinguished with water in case of fire; instead, dry powder or sand is recommended.

Applications:
Scandium is primarily used in high-performance alloys and metal matrix composites, where it enhances strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Its alloys with aluminium are especially valued in high technology applications. Scandium is also utilized in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and in specialized lighting applications, such as high-intensity lamps.

Scandium is used to improve material strength, energy efficiency, and conductivity across multiple high-tech sectors.

• Aerospace and aviation – Scandium-aluminum alloys reduce weight and enhance performance in aircraft structures
• Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) – Scandium-stabilized zirconia improves ionic conductivity and durability
• LEDs and lasers – Scandium-doped materials enable brighter and more efficient optoelectronics
• Advanced electronics – Enhances conductivity and stability in specialty semiconductors
• High-performance coatings – Corrosion-resistant, thermally stable layers for extreme environments

Scandium offers strength, conductivity, and thermal resilience in demanding structural and electronic applications.

• Lightweight and strong – Enhances aluminum alloys with high strength-to-weight ratio
• Corrosion resistance – Increases durability in harsh chemical and marine environments
• High-temperature stability – Maintains structural integrity and conductivity under extreme heat
• Improved conductivity – Enables superior electrical and thermal performance in doped systems
• Rare but scalable – Strategic material with growing importance in energy and aerospace technologies

Why is scandium considered rare and expensive?

Scandium is classified as a rare earth element because it is not found in concentrated desposits like other materials. Instead, it is widely dispersed in trace amounts across minerals such as thortveitite and in by-products of uranium and rare earth mining. Extracting scandium is technically challenging and costly, making it one of the more expensive metals on the market.

How does scandium improve aluminum alloys?
Even in small amounts (typically 0.1–0.5%), scandium dramatically improves the strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and weldability of aluminum. This makes aluminum-scandium alloys highly desirable in aerospace, automotive, and defense applications, where lighter yet stronger materials are essential for performance and fuel efficiency.

Is scandium used in green energy technologies?
Yes, Scandium plays an important role in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which are efficient electrochemical devices that convert fuel into electricity with low emissions. Scandium-stabilized zirconia is a preferred electrolyte material in SOFCs, helping improve conductivity and durability, thus supporting the development of cleaner energy systems.