Lithium

(12/6/2008) - Lithium has gotten a lot of attention recently because of its use in batteries.  Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are used in cell phones, computers, cameras, and perhaps most consequentially, next-generation plug-in hybrids and electric cars.  While there are other types of batteries that might work, Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, which means you can go further on a single charge than with other batteries of comparable weight.  All of the major plug-in hybrids and electrical vehicles in development use lithium batteries.  But is there enough lithium to turn every car electric?

What is Lithium? – With three protons, lithium is the lightest of all metals.  Like other alkali metals, lithium has a single valence electron.  As a result of this property, it is a very reactive substance and is virtually always found in a compound.  This also makes it corrosive.