Lithium, granular, 99% trace metals basis – Sigma-Aldrich

Synonyms
Lithium atom, Lithium element

General Description
Granular lithium is a form of lithium metal that has been ground into small granules. Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal that is highly reactive and flammable. Lithium has a low density of 0.534 g/cm3, which makes it one of the lightest metals. Like the other alkali metals, lithium has a low melting point (180 °C) and is a good conductor of electricity and heat. Granular lithium is highly reactive and behaves as a strong reducing agent. It must be handled with caution due to its potential to ignite or explode. Lithium reacts readily with water and oxygen to form lithium hydroxide and lithium oxide, respectively, and even reacts with nitrogen gas at room temperature, forming lithium nitride. Typically, lithium is stored in an argon glovebox and airtight containers to prevent exposure to moisture, air, and nitrogen. To make granular lithium, the metal is first extracted from ores such as spodumene or lepidolite using a process called lithium carbonate conversion. After the lithium has been purified to a high degree of purity, it is milled into granules by rotating blades.

Lithium is a low-density alkali metal that is widely used as an anode material in rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It is also used to alloy with aluminum and magnesium to make them stronger and lighter.

Applications
Lithium can be used as:

• A precursor to synthesize Li-based alloys such as LiAl and LiSi alloys, which are applicable as anode materials in the field of energy conversion and storage.
• A reducing agent in the reduction of zirconium oxide compounds in molten LiCl salt.
• As starting material to synthesize a reducing agent(1,4-bis(trimethylgermyl)-1.4-dihydropyrazine), for the fabrication of nickel metal films.