Lithium RibbonCAS #: 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, is a highly reactive alkali metal that continues to demonstrate its versatility across an expanding range of high-tech and industrial applications. This silvery-white, soft metal, a member of Group 1 in the periodic table, is renowned for its exceptional chemical reactivity, which, when harnessed through innovative technologies, enables breakthroughs in aerospace engineering, sustainable materials, and green energy solutions. Its natural abundance and unique physical-chemical properties make it a material of growing importance in addressing global challenges related to energy storage, environmental sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Special Applications in Aerospace Engineering

Potassium metal plays a critical role in enabling cutting-edge aerospace technologies:

Propellant Additives: In liquid rocket propellants, potassium metal is used as an additive to enhance combustion efficiency. When incorporated into hydrazine-based fuels, it increases specific impulse by 5–8%, allowing rockets to carry heavier payloads or achieve higher orbital altitudes. This application leverages potassium’s ability to catalyze the decomposition of hydrazine, releasing additional energy during combustion.

Thermal Control Systems: Sodium-potassium (NaK) alloys, which include potassium metal, are employed as heat transfer fluids in satellite and space station thermal control loops. These alloys remain liquid over an extreme temperature range (-12.6°C to 785°C), making them ideal for managing heat in the vacuum of space where radiation is the primary heat transfer mechanism. Their high thermal conductivity (25 W/m·K) ensures efficient heat distribution, protecting sensitive electronics from temperature extremes.

Life Support Systems: Potassium metal is used in carbon dioxide scrubbers aboard spacecraft. Through a chemical reaction with CO₂, it forms potassium carbonate, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the cabin atmosphere. This process is more efficient than traditional amine-based scrubbers, reducing the weight and volume of life support systems by 30%.

Integration with Biodegradable Materials

Potassium metal is being combined with biodegradable polymers to create innovative, environmentally friendly materials:

Potassium-Doped Polylactic Acid (PLA): These composites exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and controlled degradation rates. The addition of potassium metal particles (5–10% by weight) increases the tensile strength of PLA by 20% while accelerating degradation in soil environments—complete breakdown occurs in 6–9 months, compared to 2–3 years for pure PLA. These materials are used in agricultural mulch films and disposable packaging, reducing plastic waste.

Biodegradable Batteries: Potassium metal anodes paired with biodegradable cathodes (e.g., manganese oxide embedded in starch) form eco-friendly batteries that decompose naturally after use. These batteries, designed for single-use applications like medical devices and sensors, deliver a capacity of 150 mAh/g and degrade completely within 3 months in compost, eliminating the environmental impact of traditional battery disposal.

Controlled-Release Fertilizers: Potassium metal encapsulated in biodegradable coatings provides a slow-release source of potassium ions for plant growth. The metal reacts with soil moisture to release potassium hydroxide, which is gradually absorbed by plants. This technology reduces fertilizer runoff by 40% and improves crop yields by ensuring a steady supply of nutrients.

Advanced Eco-Friendly Production Processes

Recent innovations in potassium metal production have significantly reduced its environmental footprint:

Green Electrolysis: A new electrolytic process uses renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) to produce potassium metal from molten potassium chloride. This method eliminates carbon dioxide emissions associated with traditional fossil fuel-powered electrolysis, reducing the carbon footprint by 95%. Pilot plants in Norway and Canada are already producing 50–100 tons of potassium metal annually using this technology.

Closed-Loop Recycling: A hydrometallurgical process recovers potassium metal from industrial waste streams, such as spent NaK alloys and metallurgical slags. The process involves dissolving the waste in a non-aqueous solvent, separating potassium ions via ion exchange, and electrowinning to produce high-purity metal. This recycling process recovers 90% of the potassium, reducing reliance on virgin ore and cutting production costs by 30%.

Carbon Capture Integration: Potassium metal production facilities are now integrating carbon capture technology to sequester CO₂ emissions from any remaining fossil fuel use. The captured CO₂ is reacted with potassium metal to form potassium carbonate, which is used in the production of glass and detergents, creating a circular economy.

Technical Specifications and Handling

Purity Grades and Forms:

Aerospace Grade (99.99%): Available as rods (直径 10–50 mm) and foils (厚度 50–200 μm) for use in propulsion and thermal systems.

Agricultural Grade (99.5%): Supplied as granules (粒径 1–5 mm) for fertilizer production.

Research Grade (99.999%): Provided as single crystals and evaporated films for advanced materials research.

Key Physical Properties:

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

Heat of fusion: 2.33 kJ/mol

Electrical conductivity: 14 × 10⁶ S/m at 20°C

Safety Considerations:

Must be stored under inert gas (argon) or dry mineral oil to prevent reaction with air and moisture.

Handling requires specialized training, with the use of inert atmosphere glove boxes for high-purity applications.

Emergency response protocols include using Class D fire extinguishers for fires and avoiding water contact, which can cause violent reactions.

For more information on technical data, custom formulations, or sustainability initiatives, please contact our team of experts, who are dedicated to advancing the responsible use of potassium metal in innovative 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/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.