Gallium oxide, scientifically referred to as gallium sesquioxide (Ga2O3), is commercially available as a white powder comprising rod-shaped crystals, with the β-phase being the predominant crystalline structure. Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) finds application in a diverse range of fields, such as phosphor technology, solid oxide fuel cell cathodes, gallium gadolinium garnets (GGG) crystals, piezoelectric crystals, and as sputtering targets for gallium indium zinc oxide (GIZO) or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) materials. The bandgap of this semiconductor material is comparatively broader when compared to gallium nitride, silicon, and silicon carbide.
Gallium oxide is significantly contributing to the advancement of this growth narrative. The market expansion is expected to be boosted by the growing semiconductor sector in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. One notable instance is a research endeavor by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM) and EY, which forecasts that the Indian electronics and hardware sector will attain a significant market magnitude ranging from USD 112-130 billion by 2018. The observed increase in growth can be linked to the intentions of electronics and hardware manufacturers to extend their production capacities in India. This expansion is driven by the need to fulfill the requirements of both the home market and markets in the Middle East, Africa, and SAARC countries. Such factors contribute to the expansion of the market.
Gallium oxide exhibits distinctive characteristics, including an appropriate band gap for solar-blind UV bands, a strong breakdown field strength, and transparency as a conductive oxide. These characteristics provide opportunities for applications like high-temperature sensors, power converters, UV detectors, and transparent electrodes. Nevertheless, the existing manufacturing techniques are characterized by high expenses and inefficiencies, while the performance of devices is impeded by material quality and doping challenges. Hence, allocating resources toward research and development endeavors aimed at surmounting these obstacles and fully harnessing the capabilities of gallium oxide has the potential to bolster its commercial viability. This would effectively cater to the escalating need for cutting-edge semiconductor materials in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
Asia-Pacific is the most significant global gallium oxide market shareholder and is anticipated to expand significantly during the forecast period. The region exhibits a notable concentration of semiconductor makers, with countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea assuming prominent positions in this industry. These countries have fostered thriving electronics sectors and consistently invested in state-of-the-art technologies. The region's dedication to technical progress is due to the increasing need for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. Thus, there has been a notable adoption of gallium oxide-based devices in the Asia-Pacific region, mostly due to the region's robust supply-side capabilities and the escalating demand for cutting-edge solutions.
The global gallium oxide market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach from USD 3.6 billion in 2025 to USD 45.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 49.73% during the forecast period (2024-2032).