Lithium SheetCAS #: 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, with the elemental symbol K and CAS number 7439-93-2, is a highly reactive alkali metal that has shaped industrial progress for over a century. This soft, silvery-white element, a staple of Group 1 in the periodic table, is defined by its intense chemical activity—a characteristic that, while requiring stringent safety measures, has enabled pivotal advancements in metallurgy, energy, and chemical synthesis. From its early use in fertilizer production to its role in next-generation batteries, potassium metal’s versatility and abundance continue to make it a linchpin of modern technology.

Historical Evolution of Applications

Potassium metal’s industrial journey reflects broader technological advancement:

19th Century Origins: First isolated by Humphry Davy in 1807 via electrolysis of molten potassium hydroxide, early applications focused on chemical synthesis, particularly in producing potassium compounds for soap and glass manufacturing.

Mid-20th Century Expansion: During World War II, potassium metal became critical for extracting refractory metals (e.g., zirconium) used in nuclear reactors and aerospace components. Sodium-potassium (NaK) alloys emerged as heat transfer fluids in missile guidance systems, leveraging their wide liquid temperature range.

Late 20th Century Diversification: The pharmaceutical industry adopted potassium metal for chiral synthesis, while metallurgists refined its use in producing high-purity titanium for jet engines.

21st Century Innovations: Today, it is central to research in potassium-ion batteries and sustainable chemical processes, marking a shift toward green technology applications.

Performance in Extreme Environments

Potassium metal and its alloys excel in conditions where most materials fail:

High-Temperature Resilience: NaK-78 alloy remains stable at 600°C in nuclear reactors, with thermal conductivity (25 W/m·K) exceeding that of water (0.6 W/m·K) at 100°C. This makes it ideal for cooling fast-neutron reactors, where temperatures exceed the boiling point of traditional coolants.

Cryogenic Compatibility: In polar research stations, NaK alloys function as heat exchangers at -50°C, maintaining fluidity where water-based systems freeze. Their low viscosity at sub-zero temperatures ensures efficient heat transfer in Arctic and Antarctic facilities.

Vacuum Environments: Potassium metal’s low vapor pressure (1 Pa at 200°C) makes it suitable for space applications, such as thermal control systems in satellites. NASA’s early spacecraft used NaK loops to regulate instrument temperatures during re-entry.

Synergistic Innovations with Other Materials

Potassium metal enhances the performance of diverse material systems:

Composite Reducing Agents: Blending potassium with calcium creates a hybrid reducing agent that improves titanium extraction efficiency by 30% compared to pure potassium. This composite lowers reaction temperatures by 50°C, reducing energy consumption in metallurgical processes.

Catalytic Supports: When deposited on graphene, potassium nanoparticles act as promoters in ammonia synthesis, increasing catalyst activity by 40% through enhanced nitrogen adsorption. This application reduces the energy intensity of fertilizer production.

Protective Coatings: Potassium-infused ceramic coatings on steel components in chemical reactors resist corrosion by sulfuric acid, extending equipment lifespan from 2 to 5 years in industrial settings.

Advanced Characterization and Testing

Modern analytical techniques reveal insights into potassium’s behavior:

In Situ Electron Microscopy: Observations during water reactions show potassium’s oxide layer (K₂O/K₂O₂/KO₂) grows at 0.1 μm/s, with hydrogen bubble formation initiating at defects in the layer—data critical for designing safer storage systems.

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Studies: Confirm that potassium retains its body-centered cubic (BCC) structure under pressures up to 10 GPa, with lattice parameter contraction of 2% at 5 GPa, supporting its use in high-pressure metallurgical processes.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): In battery research, EIS measures potassium ion diffusion coefficients (10⁻⁸ cm²/s) in electrolytes, guiding the development of faster-charging potassium-metal batteries.

Regulatory Compliance and Global Harmonization

International standards ensure consistent handling across borders:

REACH Registration: Potassium metal is registered under EU Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, requiring manufacturers to provide safety data for workers and consumers.

IEC 61249-2-21: Specifies guidelines for using alkali metals in electronic materials, limiting potassium impurities in semiconductors to <1 ppb to prevent device degradation.

Global Transport Protocols: IMO IMDG Code Class 4.3 (substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases) mandates potassium metal be shipped in UN-approved 50L steel drums with 5L headspace for expansion, filled with mineral oil and inert gas.

Future Outlook and Emerging Trends

Research frontiers highlight potassium’s evolving role:

Solid-State Potassium Batteries: Researchers at Stanford University have demonstrated all-solid-state PMBs with ceramic electrolytes, eliminating flammable liquids and achieving 2,000 cycles—targeting commercialization by 2030.

Carbon-Neutral Production: Green electrolysis using solar-powered cells to produce potassium metal reduces carbon emissions by 90% compared to fossil fuel-based methods, with pilot plants operational in Australia.

Biomedical Applications: Potassium metal nanoparticles are being explored for targeted drug delivery, where their controlled reactivity can release payloads in acidic tumor environments.

Packaging and Technical Specifications

Standard Forms:

Ingots: 99.5% purity, 1kg–50kg in oil-filled steel drums (UN 3264 compliant).

Powder: 99.9% purity, 100g–5kg in argon-sealed aluminum bags for catalytic applications.

Alloys: NaK-50 and NaK-78 in 1L–20L stainless steel containers with pressure-relief valves.

Technical Data:

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

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

Solubility: Reacts violently with water; insoluble in organic solvents.

For custom grades, technical support, or sustainability reports, contact our team of alkali metal specialists, with decades of experience in serving aerospace, energy, and pharmaceutical 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.