Lithium TetrafluoroborateCAS #: 14283-07-9

Synonyms 

Lithium borofluoride; Lithium fluoroborate; Borate(1-), tetrafluoro-, lithium (1:1); Lithium fluoborate

Compound Formula: BF4Li 

Molecular Weight: 93.75 

Appearance: White powder 

Melting Point: 293-300 °C 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 94.018923 

Monoisotopic Mass: 94.018923

Product Introduction: Potassium Hexafluorophosphate (KPF₆, CAS #: 14283-07-9)

Potassium hexafluorophosphate, with the chemical formula KPF₆ and CAS number 14283-07-9, is a well-established inorganic salt widely used as an electrolyte material in potassium-based electrochemical systems, including potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) and supercapacitors. This colorless to white crystalline solid is valued for its high solubility in organic solvents, good ionic conductivity, and compatibility with various electrode materials, making it a foundational component in both research and industrial applications of potassium-based energy storage.

Chemical & Physical Properties

KPF₆ exhibits key properties that underpin its role as a versatile electrolyte salt:

Solubility: Highly soluble in polar organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), and acetonitrile (AN), enabling the formulation of conductive electrolytes for diverse electrochemical systems.

Ionic Conductivity: Delivers moderate to high ionic conductivity (typically 3–5 mS/cm in optimized solvent mixtures), facilitating efficient potassium-ion transport in battery and supercapacitor cells.

Melting Point: Approximately 575°C, with decomposition occurring at higher temperatures (above 600°C), providing sufficient thermal stability for most ambient and moderate-temperature applications.

Electrochemical Window: Offers a reasonable electrochemical stability window (up to 4.5 V vs. K⁺/K), compatible with common PIB cathodes such as Prussian blue analogs and potassium manganese oxides.

Hygroscopicity: Moderately hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to hydrolysis and the formation of corrosive hydrofluoric acid (HF) if not properly stored.

Key Applications in Electrochemical Systems

Potassium hexafluorophosphate (CAS 14283-07-9) is widely employed in potassium-based energy storage and electrochemical technologies:

Potassium-Ion Batteries (PIBs): Serves as a primary electrolyte salt in PIBs, which are being developed as low-cost alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage and grid applications. Its solubility and conductivity support basic PIB operation and research.

Potassium-Based Supercapacitors: Used in electrolytes for supercapacitors, where its ionic conductivity contributes to high power density and rapid charge-discharge cycles, suitable for applications requiring short bursts of energy.

Electrochemical Research: A standard electrolyte component in academic and industrial research on potassium-based battery chemistries, providing a baseline for comparing new electrolyte materials.

Ionic Liquids and Catalysis: Occasionally used as a source of hexafluorophosphate ions in the synthesis of ionic liquids and as a catalyst in certain organic reactions, leveraging its stability as a counterion.

Advantages & Limitations

KPF₆ offers specific benefits but also has limitations compared to newer potassium salts like KFSI:

Established Use: A well-characterized material with a long history of use, making it a reliable choice for initial research and baseline studies in potassium-based systems.

Cost-Effectiveness: Generally more affordable than advanced salts like KFSI, making it accessible for large-scale testing and low-budget applications.

Limitations: Lower thermal and hydrolytic stability compared to KFSI, leading to higher HF formation and potential degradation of battery components over time. This restricts its use in long-cycle-life or high-temperature applications.

Synthesis & Quality Control

KPF₆ is typically synthesized through straightforward metathesis reactions:

Precursor Reaction: Potassium chloride (KCl) reacts with ammonium hexafluorophosphate (NH₄PF₆) in aqueous or organic solution, forming KPF₆ and ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) as a byproduct.

Purification: The resulting KPF₆ is purified through recrystallization from hot water or organic solvents to remove impurities, followed by drying under vacuum to reduce moisture content.

Quality control includes testing for purity (typically 99%+), moisture content (via Karl Fischer titration), and anion/cation impurities (using ion chromatography).

Safety & Handling

Proper handling of KPF₆ is critical due to its hygroscopic nature and potential for HF formation:

Moisture Control: Store in tightly sealed containers under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) to prevent hydrolysis. Use in dry environments to avoid HF generation.

Toxicity: Can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Inhalation or ingestion may lead to fluoride poisoning. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a respirator in poorly ventilated areas.

Reactivity: Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, and reducing agents, as well as combustible materials, to prevent unwanted reactions.

Disposal: Dispose of waste and contaminated materials in accordance with local regulations for fluoride-containing compounds.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety protocols.

Packaging & Availability

KPF₆ is available in various forms to suit different needs:

Crystalline Powder: Packaged in moisture-resistant bottles or bags (100g–25kg) with desiccants to minimize moisture absorption.

Solutions: Pre-dissolved solutions in organic solvents (e.g., PC or EC/DMC mixtures) are available for immediate use, packaged in sealed containers (1L–20L).

Bulk quantities (50kg+ drums) are available for industrial applications. Custom packaging and purity grades (e.g., 99.9% for research) can be requested.

For technical specifications, pricing, or sample requests, contact our sales team, which specializes in electrolyte materials for electrochemical systems.

Health & Safety Information 

Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H302 + H312 + H332-H314 Hazard Codes: C Risk Codes: 20/21/22-31-34 

Safety Statements: 22-26-27-36/37/39-45 

RTECS Number: N/A 

Transport Information: UN 3260 8/PG 2 

WGK Germany: 3 

GHS Pictogram: Image,Image

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: LiBF4 

Pubchem CID: 4298216 

MDL Number: MFCD00011087 

EC No.: 238-178-9 

IUPAC Name: lithium; tetrafluoroborate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].F[B-](F)(F)F 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/BF4.Li/c2-1(3,4)5;/q-1;+1

 InchI Key: UFXJWFBILHTTET-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.