What Is Lithium Used For? Uses, Applications, and Impact in Our Daily Lives

What Exactly Is Lithium?

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Lithium is a light alkali metal, the lightest of all solid metals. It has the atomic number 3 in the periodic table. Its key features? It is extremely chemically reactive and has remarkable energy density. These properties make it a sought-after material in many sectors.
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Lithium is mainly found in salt form in salars (dried salt lakes) in South America, in rocks such as spodumene, and even in seawater in tiny quantities. Extraction is carried out mostly by evaporation ponds or more conventional mining processes.

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Main Industrial Uses of Lithium

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Lithium has become a key element in several major industrial sectors. Here are its main applications:

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Lithium in Batteries: An Energy Revolution

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This is undoubtedly the most well-known use of lithium today. Lithium-ion batteries account for about 65% of global consumption of this metal. Why so successful? These batteries offer:

• High energy density (more energy for less weight)
• Longer lifespan compared to other technologies
• Low self-discharge
• No memory effect (unlike NiCd batteries)

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These batteries are found everywhere: smartphones, laptops, power tools, and of course, electric vehicles. Did you know that an electric car can contain up to 8 kg of lithium in its battery?

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Lithium in the Glass and Ceramic Industry

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Historically, this was the primary use of lithium before the battery boom. Lithium compounds added to glass and ceramics allow:

• Lowering the melting temperature
• Reducing thermal expansion
• Improving resistance to thermal shock

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These properties are especially valuable for vitroceramic cooktops, special glass, and certain technical ceramics.

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Greases and Lubricants

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Lithium greases are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. They withstand extreme temperatures, have excellent lubricating properties, and are less sensitive to water than other types of greases.

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Lithium in Medicine: An Essential Therapeutic Role

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Even before its industrial use, lithium made history in medicine. Since the 1950s, it has been used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is one of the most effective medications for preventing manic and depressive episodes.
The mechanism of action of lithium in psychiatry remains partially mysterious, but we know it acts on several neurotransmitter systems and cellular signaling pathways. Recent research even suggests neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial against other neurological diseases.

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The Role of Lithium in the Energy Transition

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Lithium has become a pillar of the global energy transition. Why? Because it allows efficient storage of electrical energy. In a world seeking to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, this capability is crucial.

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Lithium batteries allow:

• Storing intermittent solar or wind energy
• Powering electric vehicles with sufficient autonomy
• Creating more flexible and resilient power grids

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This strategic importance explains why some experts call lithium the “white gold” of the 21st century. Global demand keeps increasing, with growth forecasts of 500% by 2050.

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Environmental Impact and Challenges of Lithium

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While lithium contributes to the transition toward cleaner energy, its extraction is not without environmental consequences. In the “Lithium Triangle” (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile), evaporation extraction consumes massive amounts of water in already arid regions.

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Traditional lithium mining can also cause:

• Soil and water contamination by chemicals
• Disturbance of local ecosystems
• Significant carbon footprint from mining operations

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In response, the industry is developing more sustainable extraction methods and investing heavily in battery recycling. The challenge is significant: to create a circular lithium economy to reduce pressure on natural resources.

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Lithium in Our Daily Lives: Where Do We Find It?

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Lithium is far more present in your life than you might think. Here are some common objects that contain this metal:

• Electronics: smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches
• Vehicles: electric cars, scooters, e-bikes
• Household items: vitroceramic cooktops, certain heat-resistant glass
• Industrial products: lightweight aluminum alloys (planes, high-speed trains)
• Medicine: psychiatric treatments, some dietary supplements

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This omnipresence explains why securing lithium supply has become a major geopolitical issue for many countries.

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The Future of Lithium: Innovation and Perspectives

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The future of lithium looks rich in innovation. Researchers are working on several fronts:

• More efficient, less water-intensive direct extraction methods
• Use of new sources such as geothermal waters
• More durable, safer, higher-performance lithium batteries
• Recycling techniques capable of recovering up to 95% of lithium from used batteries

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France is not left behind in this technological race. The planned lithium mine in Allier could contribute to European independence, while research centers like the CEA are developing innovative recycling processes.

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A Metal at the Heart of Contemporary Challenges

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Lithium has established itself as a strategic material at the crossroads of several major challenges: energy transition, sustainable mobility, health, and technological innovation. Its multiple applications make it an essential element of our modern world.

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However, the responsible exploitation of this resource remains a collective challenge. Between securing supplies, minimizing environmental impact, and developing recycling, the future of lithium must be approached with a circular and sustainable economy in mind.

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One thing is certain: this lightweight metal will continue to carry the weight of our technological and environmental ambitions for a long time to come.