At the core of potassium's reactivity lies its single valence electron, which is easily lost during chemical interactions. As a member of Group 1 on the periodic table, potassium shares this property with other alkali metals like sodium and lithium.
Due to their strong affinity for other elements, the monomers of alkali metals do not exist in nature. Instead, they readily combine with other elements to form compounds.
Potassium's Natural Compounds: Rocks
The natural compound of potassium is prominently observed in the Earth's crust, where rocks serve as a crucial reservoir for this essential element. Mica and feldspar are two common rocks that extensively contain potassium.
Mica, known for its unique properties, is a mineral composed of potassium aluminum silicates. Its exceptional heat-resistant and insulating qualities have made it invaluable in various industries, including electrical engineering and thermal insulation. Mica is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, forming thin, flexible layers with excellent transparency and electrical properties.
Feldspar, an abundant mineral in the Earth's crust, is an aluminosilicate compound composed of potassium, sodium, and calcium. It is an essential constituent of igneous rocks like granite, forming a significant proportion of their mineral content. The versatility of feldspar has led to its widespread use in ceramics, glassmaking, and as a flux in metallurgical processes.
How is the pure potassium Produced?
Potassium ore is broken into smaller particles. Potassium is dissolved from the ore by hydrochloric acid, and other metals are removed by ammonia. The obtained potassium-containing brine is electrolyzed to produce pure potassium element.
The electrolysis process takes place in a pool that contains two electrodes, a cathode and an anode. An electric current is then passed through the brine. The potassium ions are attracted to the cathode, where they are reduced to potassium metal. The chloride ions are attracted to the anode, where they are oxidized to chlorine gas.
The potassium metal is collected at the cathode, and the chlorine gas is collected at the anode. The potassium metal is then purified and crystallized.
The electrolysis process is a relatively efficient way to extract potassium from brine. The process can be scaled up to produce large quantities of potassium, and it is relatively inexpensive.