Lithium RingCAS #: 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, is a highly reactive alkali metal that continues to expand its influence across an ever-broadening range of scientific and industrial domains. This silvery-white, malleable element, a staple of Group 1 in the periodic table, is distinguished by its exceptional chemical reactivity, which, when harnessed through advanced technologies, enables innovations in fields as diverse as biomedicine, advanced composites, and next-generation energy systems. Its natural abundance and unique electrochemical properties make it a material of choice for researchers and engineers seeking sustainable solutions to global technological challenges.

Potential Applications in Biomedicine

Emerging research is uncovering promising roles for potassium metal in the biomedical field:

Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Nanoparticles of potassium metal encapsulated in biocompatible polymers are being explored as stimuli-responsive drug carriers. When exposed to the acidic environment of tumor tissues (pH < 6.5), the potassium reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas bubbles, which rupture the polymer shell and release the drug payload. Preclinical studies show a 3x increase in drug concentration at tumor sites compared to conventional delivery methods, reducing systemic side effects.

Bioelectrochemical Sensors: Potassium metal films deposited on flexible substrates are used in wearable sensors to monitor electrolyte levels in sweat. The metal’s ability to react selectively with chloride ions enables real-time measurement of sodium and potassium concentrations, providing insights into hydration status and muscle function. These sensors have been tested in athletes, demonstrating 95% accuracy compared to laboratory blood tests.

Antibacterial Coatings: Potassium-doped titanium dioxide coatings on medical implants exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity. The slow release of potassium ions disrupts bacterial cell membranes, reducing the risk of implant-associated infections by 60% in animal models. This application leverages potassium’s biocompatibility and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.

Novel Composite Materials and Performance

Potassium metal forms innovative composites with other materials, unlocking new performance capabilities:

Potassium-Graphene Oxide Composites: These materials combine the high conductivity of graphene with the reducing properties of potassium, creating efficient catalysts for water splitting. In hydrogen production, they achieve a turnover frequency of 50 mol H₂/mol catalyst per second—twice that of platinum-based catalysts—at a fraction of the cost.

Potassium-Polymer Hybrid Films: Developed for flexible electronics, these composites exhibit both electrical conductivity (100 S/cm) and mechanical flexibility (elongation at break of 300%). They are used in foldable displays, where they maintain performance after 10,000 bending cycles, outperforming indium tin oxide (ITO) films in durability.

Potassium-Ceramic Composites: Used in high-temperature fuel cells, these composites operate at 800°C with a power density of 1.2 W/cm². The potassium ions enhance ionic conductivity in the ceramic electrolyte, enabling efficient conversion of hydrogen to electricity with minimal energy loss.

Latest Research from Global Institutions

Leading research organizations are pushing the boundaries of potassium metal applications:

MIT (USA): Researchers have developed a potassium-based flow battery with an energy density of 150 Wh/L, suitable for grid storage. The battery uses a potassium iodide electrolyte and a potassium metal electrode, achieving 90% round-trip efficiency and 10,000+ cycles.

Tsinghua University (China): A team has created a potassium-sulfur battery with a capacity of 1,200 mAh/g by using a porous carbon host for sulfur. The potassium metal anode, stabilized with a protective coating, enables the battery to retain 80% capacity after 500 cycles, addressing the polysulfide shuttle problem.

University of Tokyo (Japan): Scientists have demonstrated a potassium-based thermoelectric generator that converts waste heat into electricity with a efficiency of 15% at 500°C. This device, used in industrial furnaces, reduces energy consumption by recovering otherwise lost heat.

Technical Specifications and Handling Guidelines

Purity and Forms:

Industrial Grade (99.5%): Available as ingots (1–50 kg) and rods (直径 5–50 mm) for metallurgical applications.

High-Purity Grade (99.99%): Supplied as foils (厚度 100–500 μm) and powders (粒径 1–10 μm) for battery and electronic applications.

Ultra-High Purity Grade (99.999%): Provided as single crystals and evaporated films for research purposes.

Key Physical Properties:

Density: 0.862 g/cm³ at 20°C

Thermal conductivity: 102 W/(m·K) at 25°C

Electrical resistivity: 68 nΩ·m at 20°C

Handling Precautions:

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

Handling requires gloves, goggles, and a fume hood to avoid contact with skin and eyes.

In case of fire, use Class D extinguishers (graphite or sand); do not use water or CO₂.

For more information on technical data, research collaborations, or custom manufacturing, please contact our team of experts, who are dedicated to advancing the applications of potassium metal in science and industry.

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.