Lithium SleeveCAS #: 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 holds significant importance in various industrial and technological domains. This soft, silvery-white element, belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table, is characterized by its extreme chemical activity, which, despite presenting handling challenges, enables a multitude of critical applications. From traditional metallurgical processes to cutting-edge electronic technologies, potassium metal's unique properties make it an indispensable material in driving industrial progress.

Emerging Applications in the Electronic Industry

Beyond its established uses, potassium metal is making inroads into the electronic industry with promising applications:

Potassium-Based Semiconductor Doping: Research is underway to use potassium metal as a dopant in semiconductor materials. By introducing potassium ions into the crystal structure of semiconductors, their electrical properties can be modified, potentially leading to the development of more efficient electronic devices. Preliminary studies show that potassium doping can enhance the conductivity of certain semiconductors, making them suitable for use in high-performance transistors and integrated circuits.

Thermal Management in Electronics: Potassium alloys, particularly NaK alloys, are being explored for thermal management in high-power electronic devices. These alloys have excellent thermal conductivity and can efficiently dissipate heat from components such as microprocessors and power amplifiers. Their low melting point allows them to be integrated into compact cooling systems, ensuring the reliable operation of electronic devices even under high loads.

Potassium Ion Capacitors: Potassium ion capacitors, which utilize potassium metal in their electrode materials, are being developed as an alternative to lithium-ion capacitors. These capacitors offer high power density, long cycle life, and low cost, making them suitable for applications in energy storage systems for electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops.

Purity Grades and Their Specific Uses

Potassium metal is available in various purity grades, each tailored to specific applications:

Industrial Grade (99.5% Purity): This grade is commonly used in metallurgical processes, such as the reduction of metal oxides to produce high-purity metals like titanium and zirconium. It is also used in the production of potassium compounds and alloys for industrial applications.

High-Purity Grade (99.99% Purity): With very low levels of impurities, this grade is suitable for use in the pharmaceutical industry, where high purity is essential for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is also used in research laboratories for specialized chemical reactions and material science studies.

Ultra-High-Purity Grade (99.999% Purity): This grade is reserved for advanced applications in the electronic and semiconductor industries. It is used in the production of high-performance semiconductors and in research on cutting-edge electronic materials, where even trace impurities can affect the performance of the final product.

Global Major Producers and Supply Chain

The global production of potassium metal is concentrated among a few major producers, ensuring a stable supply chain:

North America: Companies in Canada, such as Nutrien Ltd., are significant producers of potassium metal. Canada has abundant potassium chloride deposits, providing a reliable raw material source for potassium metal production. These producers leverage advanced technologies to ensure high-quality products and efficient production processes.

Europe: European producers, including Uralkali in Russia, play a crucial role in the global potassium metal market. Russia has large reserves of potassium chloride, and Uralkali is one of the world's leading producers of potassium-based products. European producers are known for their focus on sustainability and environmental protection in the production process.

Asia: In Asia, producers in China, such as Sinochem Group, are expanding their potassium metal production capacity. China's growing industrial sector has increased the demand for potassium metal, driving the development of local production facilities. These producers are investing in research and development to improve production efficiency and product quality.

The supply chain for potassium metal involves the mining of potassium chloride, its transportation to production facilities, electrolysis to produce potassium metal, and distribution to end-users. Major producers often have integrated supply chains, ensuring a seamless flow from raw material to finished product.

Key Properties Revisited

Chemical Reactivity: Its strong reducing properties make it a valuable tool in chemical synthesis and metallurgy. It can react with a wide range of substances, enabling the production of various compounds and metals.

Thermal Properties: The low melting point and high boiling point allow for use in high-temperature applications, while its good thermal conductivity makes it suitable for heat transfer fluids.

Electrical Conductivity: Although its reactivity limits direct use in electrical components, its contribution to the conductivity of alloys makes it important in electronic applications.

Handling and Safety Guidelines

Storage: As with other reactive metals, proper storage is crucial. Potassium metal must be stored in airtight containers filled with dry mineral oil or under an inert gas to prevent contact with air and moisture. Containers should be clearly labeled and stored in a secure location away from incompatible materials.

Handling: When handling potassium metal, strict adherence to safety protocols is necessary. This includes wearing appropriate PPE, using non-sparking tools, and working in a well-ventilated area. Training on emergency procedures is essential for all personnel involved in handling the material.

Emergency Response: In case of accidents, such as spills or fires, proper emergency response is critical. As mentioned earlier, water should never be used to extinguish potassium fires, and Class D fire extinguishers should be used instead. For skin contact, immediate flushing with mineral oil and seeking medical attention is necessary.

Packaging and Availability

Packaging Options: Potassium metal is available in various packaging forms, including ingots, shavings, and pellets, to meet the diverse needs of customers. Packaging is designed to ensure the material remains protected during transportation and storage, with options such as sealed metal cans and vacuum-sealed bags.

Availability and Lead Times: The availability of potassium metal varies by grade and quantity. Standard grades are generally readily available, with short lead times. High-purity and ultra-high-purity grades may have longer lead times due to the additional purification steps required. Customers can typically place orders directly with producers or through distributors.

For detailed information on technical specifications, pricing, and ordering, please contact our sales team, which is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and ensuring customer satisfaction.

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.