Lithium Power – What You Need to Know

1. Lithium Power – What You Need to Know Looking at the earth from space, you will be amazed to see a white spot on in Bolivia, South America. What is it? This big spot looks like a flaw in any satellite photograph, but it is actually the larges lithium deposit in the world, that has eroded from the Andes Mountains, forming a salt flat. Lithium is a special element. It is the lightest metal with only hydrogen and helium being lighter, and they are gases. Lithium is highly reactive, bonding with other elements. It is reactive and lightweight, which is why its become popular for use in rechargeable batteries. The lithium-ion battery has changed the world, enabling you to enjoy mobile phones and portable computers that are smaller and lighter. It has changed how we communicate, access information and work. Ongoing research and development into lithium batteries is expected to turn electric cars into lighter and more affordable options, with longer drive ranges on one single charge. They also have the position for power grid batteries, providing portage storage of energy, stabilizing output of renewable energies, should the sun not shine or the wind not blow. Lithium has become a highly valuable commodity that could potentially turn the Bolivian salt flat into the most powerful economic resource in the world. Lithium-ion has changed how people access and share information, along with the emergence of the electronic car. It challenges petroleum as a dominant portable energy source of the future, complementing renewable power grids with twenty four hour reliability. It is reactive and appears to calm metal disorders, benefiting health outcomes. This soft, silver white metal was first synthesized more than thirteen million years ago. It is less common in solar systems due to its relative nuclear instability. Lithium is also produced using minerals found in ingenuous pegmatites. It belongs to the alkali metal group of chemical elements, which is never pure in nature. The elements are reactive due to them all having a single energetic electron. It orbits the outermost shell, eager to react to other atoms. It is so reactive that it is usually stored in mineral oil. When it combines with water, it has a violent reaction, evolving into a hydrogen gas. It is very flammable with the power burning crimson red, often used in red fireworks. Interesting, lithium is prescribed for bipolar disorder. The nervous system relies on the flow of positively charged ions of potassium and sodium. Lithium ions may buffer swings in the flow, believed to be the cause of bipolar disorder. It is still dangerous with an overdose causing toxicity and potential death. The demand for lithium has grown exponentially since the 1990s with the introduction of electric cars and portable devices, rechargeable batteries have evolved into lighter and smaller desires. This is where lithium stands out above the rest. The material is energy dense with a low atomic mass, enabling them to have a high charge to weight and power to weight ration. They are portable, used extensively in smart phones and laptops. Understanding how a battery works is easy. They require a source of electrons flowing as electrical currents to where they are needed. Rechargeable batteries work in both directions, discharging and then recharging. Lithium engages in chemical reactions, helping to power devices. It runs the reactions in reverse, helping you recharge your devices with ease. Smartphone batteries contain approximately 0.4 grams of lithium, laptop batteries have approximately seven grams of lithium and an electronic scooter has around 2,300 grams. These batteries have built in thermal overload protections to reduce their risk of physical damage. The future advances in battery design continues to transform our lives. Today research and development teams are working on solid state batteries to provide a safer and more efficient solution. About Us: Wildcat Discovery Technologies is a San Diego based company accelerating the discovery of new materials for energy applications. They focus on the development of advanced materials for primary and rechargeable batteries. The company has an experienced team of in-house scientists that use high throughput tools to develop and optimize materials quickly. Wildcat Discovery Technologies has partners throughout the material supply chains and global battery industry. Full details on the company can be found on their information packed website at https://www.wildcatdiscovery.com.