Lithium

Overview

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is highly valued in various industries due to its unique properties, such as its low density and high electrochemical potential. It is primarily extracted from ores like petalite (LiAl(Si₂O₅)₂), lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₃(Al,Si,Rb)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂), and spodumene (LiAl(SiO₃)₂), as well as from underground brines. Lithium is essential for the production of glass, aluminum products, and especially rechargeable batteries.

With the increasing global focus on combating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lithium has become a crucial resource for renewable energy solutions. Its applications in electric vehicles and energy storage systems underscore its central role in a sustainable future. From our smartphones and wearable devices to the growing electric vehicle market, lithium's versatility makes it indispensable in modern technology and industry.

Properties

– Atomic number: 3
– Symbol: Li
– Soft, silvery-white metal
– Highly reactive and flammable
– Lightest metal and element with the lowest density
– Melting point: 180.5 °C (356.9 °F)
– Boiling point: 1342 °C (2448 °F)
– Good electrical conductor
– Used in batteries, alloys, and pharmaceuticals

Applications

Lithium is essential in numerous industries due to its properties:

Battery manufacturing:

Lithium is used in lithium-ion batteries for smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

It is a key component of electric vehicle batteries and supports the global transition to clean mobility.

Lithium is used in energy storage systems for renewable energy grids.

Glass and ceramics:

Lithium improves the durability and strength of specialty glass and ceramics, thus optimizing products such as cookware and architectural glass.

Aluminum production:

Lithium serves as an additive in aluminum smelting, lowering the melting point and improving the metal's quality.

Pharmaceutical industry:
Lithium compounds are used in medications for the treatment of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder.