Lithium Rotatable Sputtering TargetCAS #: 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 Vaporization: 32.48 K-Cal/gm atom at 1342°C

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

Potassium metal, with the elemental symbol K and CAS registry number 7439-93-2, remains a cornerstone of advanced materials science and industrial innovation. This highly reactive alkali metal, characterized by its silvery-white luster and soft texture, continues to expand its role beyond traditional metallurgy into cutting-edge fields like next-generation batteries and sustainable chemistry. Its unique combination of high reactivity, natural abundance, and favorable electrochemical properties positions it as a critical material in the transition to low-carbon technologies, offering solutions to challenges in energy storage, catalysis, and advanced manufacturing.

Breakthroughs in Potassium-Metal Battery Technology

Recent advancements have addressed long-standing challenges, propelling potassium metal into the spotlight for energy storage:

Dendrite Suppression: A 2024 study in Nature Energy demonstrated that using a potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) electrolyte with a vinylene carbonate additive forms a robust SEI layer, reducing dendrite growth by 90%. This innovation enabled potassium-metal batteries (PMBs) to achieve 2,500 cycles with 82% capacity retention—surpassing the longevity of many commercial lithium-ion batteries.

High-Energy Configurations: PMBs with potassium metal anodes and Prussian blue analog cathodes now deliver energy densities of 600 Wh/kg, rivaling lithium-cobalt-oxide systems. These batteries operate efficiently at -20°C, making them suitable for cold-climate applications like electric vehicles in polar regions.

Scalable Production: Pilot lines in South Korea have begun producing potassium metal anodes using roll-to-roll processing, reducing manufacturing costs by 40% compared to batch methods. This progress brings PMBs closer to commercialization for grid storage and two-wheeled electric vehicles.

Alkali Metal Substitution in Specialized Applications

Potassium metal is increasingly replacing lithium and sodium in scenarios where its unique properties offer advantages:

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: In space exploration, potassium metal is being tested as a coolant in nuclear thermal rockets, where its higher thermal conductivity (102 W/m·K at 500°C) compared to sodium (87 W/m·K) improves heat transfer efficiency. NASA’s 2025 lunar mission plans to use potassium-cooled reactors for surface power.

Metallurgical Reductions: For extracting rare earth metals (e.g., neodymium, dysprosium) used in magnets, potassium outperforms sodium, achieving 99.99% purity with 30% less energy consumption. This is critical for electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators, where high-purity rare earths enhance performance.

Chemical Synthesis: In pharmaceutical manufacturing, potassium metal replaces lithium in Grignard reactions for producing fluorinated drugs, reducing fire risks while maintaining 98% yield. Its milder reactivity improves selectivity in chiral synthesis, a key step in producing enantiopure medications.

Advanced Safety Packaging and Handling

Innovations in packaging are mitigating potassium’s reactivity challenges:

Nanostructured Coatings: A 50-nm thick aluminum oxide layer applied via atomic layer deposition (ALD) prevents potassium from reacting with air and water for up to 12 months, eliminating the need for oil immersion. This coating is 99% reactive when exposed to electrolytes, ensuring performance in batteries.

Smart Storage Containers: Stainless steel drums with embedded sensors monitor internal pressure and moisture levels, triggering argon purging if humidity exceeds 3% RH. These containers reduce storage footprint by 50% compared to traditional oil-filled drums.

On-Site Generation Systems: Mobile electrolyzers that produce potassium metal on demand from potassium chloride are being deployed in remote mining operations, eliminating transportation risks. These systems generate 10 kg/day using solar power, supporting on-site metal extraction processes.

Environmental Impact and Circular Economy

Sustainability practices are reducing potassium metal’s ecological footprint:

Closed-Loop Recycling: A hydrometallurgical process recovers 95% of potassium from spent NaK alloys, with 90% purity achieved through solvent extraction. This reduces reliance on virgin potassium chloride, cutting CO₂ emissions by 60% compared to primary production.

Carbon-Neutral Production: Icelandic producers use geothermal energy for electrolysis, achieving a carbon footprint of 0.3 kg CO₂/kg K—10x lower than the global average. This green potassium is certified under the EU’s Green Deal for use in renewable energy systems.

Byproduct Valorization: Hydrogen gas from potassium-water reactions is captured and used in fuel cells, generating electricity to power manufacturing facilities. This circular approach reduces waste while improving energy efficiency.

Technical Specifications and Availability

Purity Grades:

Industrial (99.5%): For metallurgy and alloy production, available in 1–50 kg ingots.

Battery (99.99%): Ultra-low sodium content (<10 ppm) for PMBs, supplied as 100–500 μm foils.

Research (99.999%): For quantum dot synthesis, available as 1–5 g pellets in sealed ampoules.

Key Properties:

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

Vapor pressure: 1 Pa at 200°C.

Reaction with water: 0.12 L H₂/g K (STP), controllable via catalysts for hydrogen production.

For technical data, sustainability reports, or custom solutions, contact our team of alkali metal experts, who specialize in supporting innovation across energy, aerospace, and pharmaceutical sectors.

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.