Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Yttrium

Yttrium (Y) is a high-criticality rare earth element with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Yttrium is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Yttrium span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• LED and display phosphors — Yttrium plays a vital role in led and display phosphors, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics — Yttrium plays a vital role in yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Superconductor materials — Yttrium plays a vital role in superconductor materials, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Laser crystals (YAG) — Yttrium plays a vital role in laser crystals (yag), where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Jet engine thermal coatings — Yttrium plays a vital role in jet engine thermal coatings, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Yttrium is led and display phosphors, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Yttrium in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Yttrium is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.