Lithium PiecesCAS #: 7439-93-2

Synonyms 

N/A

Molecular Weight: 6.941 

Appearance: Silvery 

White Melting Point: 180.54 °C 

Boiling Point: 1342 °C 

Density: 0.534 g/cm3 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Poisson's Ratio: N/A 

Young's Modulus: 4.9 

GPa Vickers Hardness: N/A 

Tensile Strength: N/A 

Thermal Conductivity: 0.848 W/cm/K @ 298-C.2 K 

Thermal Expansion: (25 °C) 46 µm·m-1·K-1 

Electrical Resistivity: 8.55 microhm-cm @ 0 °C 

Electronegativity: 1.0 

Paulings Specific Heat: 0.85 Cal/g/K @ 25 °C 

Heat of Fusion: 1.10 Cal/gm mole 

Heat of Vaporization: 32.48 K-Cal/gm atom at 1342 °C

Product Introduction: Potassium Metal (K, CAS #: 7439-93-2)

Potassium metal, denoted by the elemental symbol K and CAS number 7439-93-2, continues to be a driving force in cutting-edge technologies, expanding its reach beyond traditional applications into high-stakes industries such as aerospace and advanced materials. This highly reactive alkali metal, with its distinctive silvery-white appearance and low density (0.862 g/cm³), offers a unique blend of electrochemical reactivity and thermal properties that make it indispensable in innovations ranging from space propulsion to next-generation coatings. As industries seek more sustainable and high-performance materials, potassium metal’s natural abundance and versatile chemistry position it as a key enabler of future technologies.

Innovations in Aerospace Propulsion

Potassium metal is revolutionizing aerospace propulsion systems with its high energy density and combustion properties:

Hybrid Rocket Fuels: When combined with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) fuel, potassium metal acts as an energetic additive, increasing specific impulse by 8–10% compared to traditional solid fuels. This boost allows small satellites to reach low Earth orbit with 30% less fuel mass, reducing launch costs significantly. A 2025 test mission by a European aerospace company successfully deployed a 50-kg satellite using this technology.

Ion Thruster Propellants: In electric propulsion systems, potassium metal vapor serves as a propellant in gridded ion thrusters, offering 20% higher thrust-to-power ratio than xenon. Its lower ionization energy (4.34 eV) reduces power consumption, extending mission durations for deep-space probes. NASA’s upcoming Jupiter orbiter will utilize potassium-based ion thrusters to minimize fuel weight.

Thermal Management in Hypersonic Vehicles: Potassium-sodium (NaK) alloys circulate as coolants in scramjet engines, withstanding temperatures up to 1,200°C. Their ability to transfer heat 50% more efficiently than conventional coolants protects critical components during hypersonic flight (Mach 5+), a capability validated in wind tunnel tests by the U.S. Air Force.

Synergy with Advanced Nanocoatings

Potassium metal’s integration with nanoscale coatings enhances performance across industries:

Self-Healing Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Nanostructured potassium silicate coatings on aluminum alloys form a protective layer that self-repairs when scratched. The potassium ions react with atmospheric moisture to regenerate a dense oxide film, reducing corrosion rates by 90% in marine environments. These coatings are now used on offshore wind turbine components, extending maintenance intervals from 2 to 5 years.

Antimicrobial Potassium-Doped TiO₂ Coatings: Applied to medical devices, these coatings release potassium ions under UV light, destroying 99.9% of bacteria (including MRSA) within 2 hours. Clinical trials show a 70% reduction in device-related infections, making them valuable for implants and surgical tools.

Thermochromic Smart Coatings: Potassium vanadate nanoparticles in these coatings change color reversibly with temperature (from transparent at 25°C to opaque at 80°C). Used in building facades, they reduce air conditioning energy use by 35% by reflecting heat during hot weather, as demonstrated in pilot projects in Dubai and Singapore.

Purity-Specific Applications

Different purity grades of potassium metal cater to specialized needs:

99.999% Ultra-High Purity (UHP): Used in quantum computing as a component of potassium vapor cells for atomic clocks, achieving timekeeping accuracy of 1 second per 30 million years. Labs at IBM and Google rely on UHP potassium for stabilizing quantum bit coherence.

99.99% High Purity: Essential for potassium-ion battery electrolytes in electric vehicles, where low impurity levels (<10 ppm) prevent dendrite formation. Tests show these batteries retain 92% capacity after 2,000 cycles, outperforming those using lower-purity potassium.

99.5% Industrial Grade: Ideal for metallurgical fluxes in aluminum smelting, reducing oxide inclusions by 40% and improving alloy strength. A Canadian smelter using this grade increased production yield by 15% while lowering energy consumption.

Sustainability & Circular Economy

Advancements in recycling and green production are minimizing environmental impact:

Closed-Loop Recycling from E-Waste: A hydrometallurgical process recovers 95% of potassium from spent batteries, with purity restored to 99.9% via solvent extraction. This reduces reliance on mined potassium chloride, saving 50,000 tons of ore annually in Europe.

Solar-Powered Potassium Production: In Australia, solar-driven electrolysis of potassium chloride brines produces metal with zero carbon emissions, at a cost 20% lower than fossil fuel-based methods. This "solar potassium" is now used in EU-certified green batteries.

Potassium Recovery from Agricultural Waste: Banana peels and coffee grounds are processed to extract potassium salts, which are then reduced to metal. A plant in Colombia produces 100 tons/year of 99.5% potassium from agricultural waste, diverting 5,000 tons of organic material from landfills.

Technical Data & Availability

Key Physical Properties:

Melting point: 63.5°C; boiling point: 759°C

Electrical resistivity: 68 nΩ·m at 20°C

Electron work function: 2.3 eV

Global Supply: Major producers include China (55% of global output), Russia, and Canada. Specialty grades are available through distributors in North America (Alfa Aesar), Europe (Sigma-Aldrich), and Asia (TCI).

Packaging Options: UHP grade in sealed quartz ampoules; high purity in argon-purged nickel containers; industrial grade in steel drums with mineral oil immersion.

For detailed technical specifications, sustainability certifications, or custom formulation requests, contact our team of alkali metal experts, committed to driving innovation through responsible potassium metal applications.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H260-H314 

Hazard Codes: F,C 

Precautionary Statements: P231+P232-P260-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P501 

Flash Point: Not applicable 

Risk Codes: 14/15-34 

Safety Statements: 8-43-45 

RTECS Number: OJ5540000 

Transport Information: UN 1415 4.3/PG 1 

WGK Germany: 2 

GHS Pictogram: Image,Image

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li 

Pubchem CID: 3028194 

MDL Number: MFCD00134051 

EC No.: 231-102-5 

Beilstein/Re

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.

axys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/Li 

InchI Key: WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N