Lithium

Introduction
Lithium is the third element of the periodic table with Li symbol. Known for its
incredible chemistry properties such as the low weight compared to other metals,
density, conductivity, and reactivity. Therefore, widely it is used for different
applications in diverse types of scientific areas. Also, this metal plays an important
role around the [world] because it has a difficult and expensive extraction process.
With the previous information the lithium has meaningful characteristics and
functions make it as one of the most influential components in distinct practical uses.
The main function of this essay is make awareness of the value of this magnificent
metal, specifically in the chemistry area.
Process-Extraction
The conventional lithium brine extraction is the main process used all over the Earth
(from China to Bolivia). The technique consists in: first, the brine is pumped into
shallow ponds. Second, in the gaps starts the solar evaporation that spend
approximately 18 to 24 months. Then, sequentially the salts begin to precipitate over
a period of time. Next, the concentrated lithium brine is taken to purification
companies. Finally, the salts are subjected to purification processes such as organic
extractions, filtration, distillation, among others.
Narrative-History
The lithium was discovered in 1817 by the Swedish, chemistry and mineralogist
Johan Arfwedson. This original discover was obtained from petalite ore from 2
billion-year-old pegmatites from the Uto mine. In the 20’s, the Argentinian Luciano
Catalano revealed the great potential of the Lithium in distinct application. Later, in
1960 Catalano advise about the Lithium as a new energy resource. Then, when the
80´s decade came, the companies of brine extraction has to change the objective of
salts to exclusively Lithium salts like lithium carbonate. In XXI century, he so-called
lithium “boom” began, where fifty companies took possession of some 20 salt flats,
to carry out exploratory studies to quantify lithium resources.
Descriptive-Applications
The fundamental applications are in the aluminum industry, where composition
metal (Al-Li) is used to reduce the weight of an aircraft because the lithium decrease
the melting point, same as viscosity. Another function is in the vehicles lubricants
because the Li properties help to be waterproof and antioxidant. The top industry of
lithium is the batteries business, for the reason of higher energy density per weight
and volume, longer useful life, delivering a constant voltage, less weight, operation
at high capacity and low temperatures.
Conclusion
Finally, as we can read, there are a big world that every an each scientific maybe will
want to discover to make more innovations in the extraction process or discover
additional applications. Meanwhile, the knowledge of the history of the Li help us to
understand the way the Earth was and is working with this essential mineral
(element). So, I consider that the processed information will give us a new
perspective or a unknow about the lithium.