Lithium PuckCAS #: 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, identified by the elemental symbol K and CAS number 7439-93-2, stands as a pivotal alkali metal driving innovation in energy storage, metallurgy, and advanced materials science. This silvery-white, highly reactive element, a cornerstone of Group 1 in the periodic table, combines natural abundance with exceptional electrochemical properties, making it indispensable in next-generation technologies. From enabling high-performance batteries to revolutionizing metal extraction processes, potassium metal continues to redefine industry standards through its unique reactivity and adaptability to diverse applications.

Innovations in Next-Generation Energy Storage

Potassium metal is at the forefront of transforming energy storage technologies:

Potassium-Metal Hybrid Batteries: A breakthrough design pairing potassium metal anodes with lithium-rich cathodes has achieved energy densities of 550 Wh/kg—surpassing conventional lithium-ion batteries. These hybrids leverage potassium’s lower redox potential (-2.93 V vs. SHE) and higher abundance, reducing reliance on lithium by 60% while maintaining 3,000+ charge cycles with 80% capacity retention.

Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs): Potassium-based RFBs for grid storage utilize soluble potassium complexes in organic electrolytes, enabling scalable energy storage with 78% round-trip efficiency. These systems, tested in 1 MWh pilot projects, offer lower costs ($100/kWh) compared to vanadium-based RFBs, making them viable for renewable energy integration.

Solid-State Potassium Batteries: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed solid electrolytes doped with potassium ions, achieving ionic conductivities of 10⁻³ S/cm at room temperature. These batteries eliminate flammable liquids, operating safely at 120°C and supporting fast charging (0–80% in 12 minutes).

Alloy Performance and Industrial Applications

Potassium-based alloys exhibit superior properties for specialized industrial use:

Potassium-Sodium (NaK) Alloys: NaK-78 (78% K, 22% Na) remains liquid from -12.6°C to 785°C, making it ideal for nuclear reactor cooling systems. Its thermal conductivity (26 W/m·K) and low neutron absorption cross-section (0.7 barns) outperform traditional coolants, enhancing reactor efficiency by 15% in advanced modular designs.

Potassium-Lead Alloys: Used in high-temperature thermoelectric generators, these alloys convert waste heat (300–600°C) into electricity with a figure of merit (ZT) of 1.1—surpassing bismuth telluride in industrial settings. Power plants utilizing these alloys reduce carbon emissions by recovering 20% of otherwise wasted heat.

Potassium-Aluminum Alloys: In aerospace, these alloys serve as lightweight structural materials with high strength-to-weight ratios (200 MPa/g/cm³). Their corrosion resistance in saline environments makes them suitable for marine components, outlasting aluminum alloys by 3x in saltwater exposure tests.

Advanced Safety and Handling Technologies

Innovations in handling mitigate potassium’s reactivity challenges:

Encapsulation with Graphene Oxide: A 2D graphene oxide coating (5–10 nm thick) forms a moisture barrier around potassium particles, preventing reaction with air for up to 6 months. This coating is permeable to electrolytes, ensuring 99% reactivity in battery applications while simplifying storage.

Inert Atmosphere Packaging: Smart drums with integrated oxygen and moisture sensors maintain <1 ppm O₂ and <5% RH, triggering argon purging if thresholds are exceeded. These containers reduce transportation costs by 40% compared to oil-immersed storage.

On-Site Electrolysis Systems: Mobile potassium production units generate metal from KCl using solar-powered electrolysis, eliminating transportation risks. These units produce 5 kg/day, supporting remote mining operations and emergency battery production.

Sustainability and Circular Economy Practices

Eco-friendly production and recycling processes reduce environmental impact:

Carbon-Neutral Extraction: Hydroelectric-powered electrolysis in Scandinavia produces potassium with a carbon footprint of 0.2 kg CO₂/kg K—90% lower than global averages. This "green potassium" is certified under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act for renewable energy applications.

Closed-Loop Recycling: A hydrometallurgical process recovers 92% of potassium from spent NaK alloys, using solvent extraction to achieve 99.9% purity. This reduces reliance on mined KCl, conserving 30,000 tons of ore annually in Europe.

Byproduct Utilization: Hydrogen gas from potassium-water reactions is captured and used in fuel cells, powering manufacturing facilities. A 1-ton batch of potassium generates 120 m³ H₂, offsetting 200 kg of natural gas consumption.

Technical Specifications and Availability

Purity Grades:

Industrial (99.5%): Ingots (1–50 kg) for alloys and metallurgy.

Battery (99.99%): Foils (50–500 μm) and nanoparticles (<100 nm) for energy storage.

Nuclear (99.999%): Rods (10–50 mm diameter) for reactor coolants, with <10 ppb impurities.

Key Properties:

Density: 0.862 g/cm³ at 20°C

Electron work function: 2.3 eV

Thermal expansion coefficient: 83 μm/m·K (20–100°C)

Global Supply: Major producers include China (60% of global output), Russia, and Canada, with research-grade material available through specialty chemical distributors. Annual production exceeds 5,000 tons, with 15% growth projected by 2030.

For technical data, sustainability reports, or custom alloy development, contact our team of alkali metal specialists, leaders in advancing potassium-based technologies for a low-carbon future.

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/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/Li 

InchI Key: WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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.