University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 218-231.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202502111

• Survey of Chemistry • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation and Purification of Alkali Metals

Wenyu Yuan1, Ying Wang1, Shuni Li1, Xiaolin Zhu1, Quanguo Zhai1, Shengli Gao2   

  1. 1 School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China;
    2 School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
  • Received:2025-02-24 Accepted:2025-04-18 Published:2025-12-27
  • Contact: Quanguo Zhai, Shengli Gao E-mail:zhaiqg@snnu.edu.cn;,Email:gaoshengli729@126.com

Abstract: Alkali metals find increasingly widespread applications, with their preparation and purification methods serving as exemplary cases in inorganic synthesis. Given the rapid advancement of new energy technologies, a systematic presentation of alkali metal preparation knowledge has become particularly crucial. Guided by the pedagogical principle of “learning for practical application”, this article systematically reviews the preparation and purification of alkali metals based on literature research and analysis. Special emphasis is placed on correlating chemical principles with technological processes, with particular attention given to highlighting the outstanding contributions of Chinese researchers in lithium extraction from salt lakes. This work aims to provide valuable reference for chemistry students and industry practitioners.

Key words: Alkali metal, Preparation, Purification, Lithium extraction from salt lake