The amount of lithium found in 2023 will make India self-sufficient in the coming years

Lithium is a lightweight, silvery-white metal in the alkali metal group of the periodic table that stores energy in the batteries used to power our electronic devices. The importance of lithium has increased due to the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy (non-renewable energy) sectors. The fields that currently use lithium are: Butteryth Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most significant modern applications. They are used as a source of energy in a wide range of electronic devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles, due to their energy density and durability.

Lithium compounds are used in psychiatric medications, particularly for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium carbonate is a commonly used medication to stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes. Industrial Applications Lithium is used in the production of a variety of industrial goods, including ceramics, glass, and aluminum. It is also used in lubricants and greases.

The nuclear industry uses lithium-6 as a tritium production target in nuclear reactors. Tritium is used to increase the efficiency of nuclear shows. Air Treatment Lithium compounds are used in air treatment systems. E.g. Lithium bromide is used in air conditioning systems.

Alloyed lithium is alloyed with aluminum, copper, and manganese to improve their strength and other properties.

Research and Technology Lithium is used in advanced technologies, including experimental fusion reactors and certain types of advanced aerospace applications.

Future Outlook: Demand for lithium is expected to grow at a rate of more than 40 percent per annum in the coming years due to increasing demand for electric vehicles and continued growth of renewables. Meeting the rapidly increasing demand is a challenge in the supply chain sector. Concerns about environmental damage and the complexities of mining have made it difficult to obtain necessary approvals for new lithium mines. With emerging technologies, scientists are constantly working on finding alternative materials and developing more efficient extraction techniques for lithium.

Exports and imports: Australia has grown to become the world's largest lithium producer, followed by Chile and China. China, on the other hand, ranks supreme as the world's leading lithium importer and user. India currently imports about 70 percent of its lithium needs, but the government is taking steps to boost domestic production.

Remaining Lithium Reserves: Estimates suggest that the Earth holds about 58 million tons of lithium. However, the amount of reserves that can be obtained through easy access and low cost is believed to be small. Recycling of lithium will play a crucial role in the future. Lithium metal is emerging as a strategic metal with significant implications for the global economy. Its demand is still expected to grow significantly, but supply chain challenges and environmental concerns are major obstacles. Developing new technologies, implementing sustainable mining practices and recycling lithium should focus on adopting measures to meet future demand responsibly.

The top lithium exporting countries in 2021 include Australia (56,000 tonnes), Chile (38,000 tonnes), Argentina (18,000 tonnes), China (15,000 tonnes), Portugal (12,000 tonnes). . The top importing countries in the same year were China (78,000 tons), Japan (25,000 tons), South Korea (22,000 tons), United States (20,000 tons) and Germany (18,000 tons). It should be mentioned here that while lithium was not used in its original form in ancient times. At that time its compounds were used unknowingly. Lithium-bearing minerals such as lepidolite were used in a variety of ways. Some old records show that mineral water containing lithium was used for its health benefits. The current price of lithium depends on several factors, including the type of lithium (carbonate and hydroxide), purity, and market conditions. As of October 2023, the price of lithium carbonate (battery-grade) in China was around $70,000 per ton. We know that China is the main producer and consumer country. Global market prices have seen a sharp rise in recent years due to rising demand and crippling supply constraints. Experts predict that this trend will continue in the short term.

Alternatives to lithium: Lithium has become a key material for rechargeable batteries, but concerns about its supply chain and environmental impact have fueled research into alternative materials. Some alternative substances are: Sodium: Sodium, lithium's closest neighbor in the periodic table, has many similar properties, making it a potential replacement. Sodium-ion batteries have been under development for many years. Apart from its low cost, it is widely available. However, their energy density (stored energy per unit weight) is lower than lithium-ion batteries. Magnesium has a higher theoretical energy density than magnesium lithium, but has several disadvantages in practical use. Magnesium ions are large and inert, due to which chajag and dischajag cannot take place efficiently. Researchers are exploring new electrolytes and electrode materials to overcome these barriers. Like calcium with magnesium, calcium has a high theoretical energy density but has practical limitations. Calcium-ion batteries are still in the early stages of development. Further research is needed to improve its performance and stability. Rather than creating a complete substitute for lithium with solid-state electrolytes, lithium-ion batteries focus on converting the liquid electrolyte to a solid-state one. This eliminates flammability and leakage concerns.