Lithium
Lithium: An Essential Element for Modern Technology
Lithium, the smallest and lightest of the metal atoms in the periodic table, is a key player in today’s technological advancements. This highly reactive alkali metal floats on water but reacts vigorously to form lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Despite its reactivity, lithium compounds are notably stable, making them valuable in various applications.
Characteristics and Occurrence
Lithium is a soft, silver-grey metal that forms strong alloys when combined with other metals like magnesium. At room temperature, it reacts with water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. However, its compounds remain stable under the same conditions.
Lithium primarily occurs in granitic pegmatites, a type of coarse-grained igneous rock. These pegmatites, rich in quartz, feldspar, and mica, contain lithium minerals such as spodumene, petalite, lepidolite, amblygonite/montebrasite, and eucryptite. Lithium concentrations in pegmatites typically range from 1% to over 4% Li2O. Among these minerals, spodumene stands out due to its high lithium content and ease of processing, making it the leading source for lithium extraction.
Global Production and Processing
Currently, Western Australia, China, and Zimbabwe are the major processors and suppliers of hard rock lithium minerals. Spodumene, a lithium aluminium silicate, undergoes a phase transformation at about 1,080ºC, resulting in a significant volume increase and density reduction. Petalite, another important lithium mineral, is valuable for its low iron content, making it ideal for the glass industry. Lepidolite, once widely used, has seen decreased demand due to its high fluorine content. Varieties of spodumene, like the pink kunzite and green hiddenite, are prized as semi-precious stones.
Lithium Processing and Applications
Lithium can be processed into various chemicals, including lithium carbonate, lithium bromide, lithium chloride, butyl lithium, and lithium hydroxide. The fastest-growing market for lithium is in battery production, crucial for both primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are essential in modern electronics and energy storage:
- Primary Batteries: Non-rechargeable lithium batteries, used in calculators and digital cameras, offer higher energy density, lower weight, and longer shelf life compared to alkaline batteries.
- Secondary Batteries: Rechargeable lithium batteries power cell phones, laptops, power tools, and electric vehicles (EVs). These batteries are favoured for their high energy density and light weight, outperforming lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries.
Electric Vehicles and the Future of Lithium
The adoption of lithium batteries is expanding with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Governments worldwide are promoting vehicle electrification to address climate change and energy security concerns. As a result, the demand for lithium is expected to increase significantly, driven by the mass production of passenger electric vehicles and other battery-powered technologies.
Lithium’s unique properties and versatile applications make it a cornerstone of modern technology, driving advancements in energy storage and sustainable transportation.