Lithium

Lithium

Lithium (Li) is the lightest solid element and a highly reactive alkali metal with a silvery-white appearance. It is widely used in batteries, aerospace materials, and advanced chemical synthesis. Its exceptional electrochemical properties and low density make it critical for energy storage and lightweight metal applications.

Goodfellow’s lithium (Li) products, including Lithium Coils (rolled sheets), Lithium Foils, and Lithium Rods, are essential materials for energy storage systems, battery manufacturing, and advanced research. Lithium’s unique properties, such as high energy density and reactivity, make it pivotal in energy storage solutions, particularly in rechargeable batteries and electric vehicle technologies. Lithium-based materials also play a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, lightweight alloys, and advanced energy systems. With applications across electronics, battery research, and green technologies, Goodfellow’s Lithium offerings support innovation in the sustainable energy, materials science, and electrochemical research laboratory, providing precision materials for next-generation energy solutions.



General Properties

PropertyValue
Atomic Number3
Density0.534 g/cm³
Melting Point180.5 °C
Boiling Point1342 °C
Thermal Conductivity84.7 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity92.8 nΩ·m
Crystal StructureBody-Centered Cubic (BCC)

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
HardnessMohs ~0.6
Elastic Modulus4.9 GPa
Poisson’s RatioN/A

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Corrosion ResistanceRapidly oxidizes in air; forms white oxide layer
ReactivityHighly reactive, especially with water and air
Oxidation States+1 (common)
Surface OxideLithium oxide (Li₂O)
IdentifierValue
SymbolLi
Atomic Number3
CAS Number7439-93-2
UN NumberUN1415
EINECS Number231-102-5
IsotopeTypeNotes
Li-6Stable7.5% natural abundance
Li-7Stable92.5% natural abundance

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
Battery ResearchUsed in lithium-ion battery development and electrolyte studies
Nuclear FusionUsed as a neutron absorber and breeder material
Hydrogen StorageStudied for hydrogen absorption and release mechanisms
Organic SynthesisUsed as reducing agent in chemical synthesis
Material ScienceUsed for alloying and phase studies

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
Rechargeable BatteriesPrimary component of lithium-ion batteries for portable electronics
Lightweight AlloysUsed in aerospace and automotive alloys to reduce weight
Glass & CeramicsImproves thermal and mechanical properties of specialty glass
Greases & LubricantsUsed in lithium-based greases with excellent temperature stability
PharmaceuticalsUsed in psychiatric medication synthesis and treatments
PurityMain Use
Li 99% (2N)Suitable for general industrial applications and alloying where ultra-high purity is not critical
Li 99.9% (3N)Used in higher-performance battery research, pharmaceuticals, and specialty alloys requiring higher purity
Synonym
Li
Elemental Lithium
Lithium Metal