Lithium SamplesCAS #: 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 redefine possibilities in advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge research. This soft, silvery-white element, a member of Group 1 in the periodic table, is characterized by its extreme chemical activity—a trait that, while requiring stringent safety protocols, enables transformative applications across emerging technologies. From next-generation energy storage to advanced materials science, potassium metal’s unique combination of abundance, reactivity, and physical properties positions it as a key enabler of sustainable industrial innovation.

Innovative Applications in Emerging Technologies

Potassium metal is driving breakthroughs in sectors at the forefront of technological advancement:

Quantum Dot Synthesis

In the production of colloidal quantum dots—nanoparticles used in high-resolution displays and solar cells—potassium metal acts as a reducing agent to control particle size and optical properties. By precisely adjusting potassium concentrations during synthesis, researchers can tune quantum dot emission wavelengths across the visible spectrum (400–700 nm), achieving color purity exceeding 90% for display applications.

Hydrogen Generation for Fuel Cells

Potassium metal’s reaction with water (2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂↑) is being harnessed in portable hydrogen generators for fuel cell-powered devices. These compact systems, designed for military and outdoor use, produce high-purity hydrogen (99.999%) on demand, with a reaction efficiency of 85%—outperforming traditional electrolysis methods in weight-to-energy ratio.

Flexible Electronics

Potassium-doped polymers are emerging as conductive materials in flexible electronics, such as foldable displays and wearable sensors. The metal’s ability to intercalate into polymer chains enhances electrical conductivity (up to 10 S/cm) while maintaining mechanical flexibility, enabling devices that can withstand 10,000+ bending cycles without performance degradation.

Composite Materials and Synergistic Performance

When combined with other materials, potassium metal enhances performance in specialized systems:

Potassium-Graphite Composites: Used as anodes in potassium-ion batteries, these composites mitigate dendrite formation by providing a structured framework for potassium deposition. Laboratory tests show capacity retention of 90% after 500 cycles, with a charge rate 3x faster than pure potassium anodes.

Potassium-Alumina Catalysts: In ammonia synthesis, these composites increase nitrogen conversion efficiency by 25% compared to traditional iron catalysts. The potassium acts as an electron donor, weakening the N≡N bond and lowering activation energy, reducing the reaction pressure from 300 to 200 bar.

Potassium-Silicon Alloys: Developed for thermoelectric generators, these alloys convert waste heat into electricity with a figure of merit (ZT) of 1.2 at 500°C—surpassing bismuth telluride-based materials in high-temperature industrial applications.

Global Market Dynamics and Regional Trends

The potassium metal market exhibits distinct regional patterns shaped by industrial needs:

Asia-Pacific: Dominates global production (65% of output), driven by China’s metallurgical and battery research sectors. Chinese manufacturers have scaled up production to 1,500 tons/year, with 40% allocated to sodium-potassium (NaK) alloy production for nuclear reactors.

North America: Focuses on high-purity potassium (99.999%) for semiconductor and quantum dot applications. U.S. demand is growing at 12%/year, fueled by investments in advanced display technologies and hydrogen fuel cell development.

Europe: Leads in sustainable production methods, with 30% of European potassium metal produced using renewable energy. The region’s strict environmental regulations have spurred innovations in closed-loop recycling, recovering 80% of unreacted potassium from industrial waste streams.

Advanced Characterization and Performance Metrics

Modern analytical tools provide deeper insights into potassium’s behavior:

In Situ X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS): Reveals that potassium forms a 2 nm thick oxide layer within 10 seconds of air exposure, composed primarily of K₂O₂ with a thin outer layer of KOH. This data guides the development of protective coatings to extend shelf life.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): Measures potassium ion diffusion coefficients in composite anodes, with values ranging from 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁸ cm²/s—critical for optimizing battery charge rates.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): Shows that potassium metal retains 95% mass stability up to 150°C in inert atmospheres, with rapid oxidation occurring above 200°C—defining operating limits for high-temperature applications.

Safety Innovations and Sustainable Practices

Advancements in handling and production are reducing environmental impact:

Nanoencapsulation: Coating potassium particles with 50 nm thick aluminum oxide shells prevents reaction with air and water while maintaining reactivity for controlled applications. This technology reduces storage costs by 30% and eliminates the need for oil immersion.

Green Synthesis: A new electrolytic process using molten potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) instead of KCl reduces chloride emissions by 90%. Pilot plants in Norway produce 100 tons/year using this method, powered by hydropower.

Smart Sensors: Wireless moisture and hydrogen detectors in storage facilities provide real-time monitoring, triggering inert gas purging when humidity exceeds 5% RH—reducing accident risks by 60% compared to manual inspection.

Packaging and Technical Specifications

Industrial Grades:

99.5% purity ingots (1–50 kg) in argon-sealed steel drums with pressure relief valves.

99.9% purity powder (100g–5kg) in vacuum-sealed aluminum bags for catalytic applications.

Specialty Forms:

Nanoencapsulated particles (50–200 nm) in 1kg vials for electronics and composites.

NaK alloys (50/50 and 78/22) in 1–20L stainless steel containers with rupture discs.

Key Metrics:

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

Electrical resistivity: 68 nΩ·m at 20°C.

Reaction with water: 0.12 L H₂/g K (STP).

For custom formulations, technical data sheets, or sustainability reports, contact our team of alkali metal specialists—leaders in supporting innovation across electronics, energy, and advanced materials industries.

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.