3. Substitutions

Attempts have been made to substitute indium in almost all applications. However, these substitutes often lead to a reduction in the product's technical characteristics. Silicon has largely replaced indium and germanium in transistors. Despite its higher price, gallium can replace indium in many alloys. Although technically inferior, Ag–Sn, or Sn oxides, can be used in certain applications, notably for coatings on glass. Zinc-tin oxide can be used for LCD applications, but the quality of the product is lower.

There is also competition between indium and "transparent carbon" nanotubes in the manufacture of glass, and perhaps also in the mass production of LCDs. Indium phosphide may be replaced by gallium arsenide in solar panels and semiconductors. Finally, hafnium can replace indium alloys in the manufacture of control rods for nuclear reactors.