Widespread for its use in the batteries of mobile devices, lithium has gained increasing prominence in recent years in the development of electric mobility. But the benefits don't end with these applications: its extraordinary versatility can be seen in other industries and technologies, reaffirming it as a global strategic resource.
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Lithium has unique properties that give it advantages over other energy storage options. Its unique combination of characteristics, namely high energy density, long life and low weight, has led to its large-scale use in the manufacture of batteries - known as lithium-ion batteries - which have revolutionized portable electronics, powering smartphones, laptops, tablets and a host of other devices. Ongoing research and development has further improved these capabilities, raising the quality of the user experience.
When compared to other alternatives, such as sodium-based batteries, lithium easily wins the race: for the same power output, sodium batteries are heavier than lithium batteries, which makes them unattractive for most applications in electric vehicles and portable devices. A lithium atom is only 30% the weight of a sodium atom, a factor that largely explains this advantage.
Also in the energy field, the benefits of lithium are beginning to give it another leading role, as a central element in large-scale energy storage systems, ensuring continuous availability in the production of electricity from renewable sources, which are intermittent by nature, such as solar and wind power.
From pharmaceuticals to the chemical industry
The scope of lithium as an element of great importance in modern societies crosses the most diverse areas of activity, some of which are less well known.
In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, lithium has been used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression. Science has found that lithium carbonate is an effective “mood stabilizer”, although its use requires monitoring due to the narrow therapeutic window. In addition to this effect, research is continuing into lithium's potential for treating other neurological and psychiatric conditions.
In metallurgy, lithium is used in aluminium alloys to increase strength, reduce weight and improve performance during the welding process. These lithium alloys are widely used in the aerospace industry and the production of car components, positively contributing to their performance and energy efficiency. Other examples in the industrial field are the production of ceramic coatings, to which it adds strength, and glass, generating this same effect, as well as increasing gloss and reducing thermal expansion.
Lithium is also used in the production of high-performance lubricating greases, providing water-repellent properties, thermal stability and the ability to lubricate over a wide range of temperatures. For these reasons, it is often used in the maintenance of machinery and equipment in various industries.
In chemistry, lithium serves as a catalyst in various organic and inorganic reactions. Lithium compounds are important reagents in synthetic chemistry, facilitating the formation of specific chemical bonds and the production of a wide range of products in this industry.
Lithium is already a multifaceted element with an important role in various areas of our lives, and everything indicates that, in a low-carbon economy, its importance will only grow, with an estimated increase in global demand of more than four times by .