What requires a lot of lithium?
Answer
Lithium has several significant applications that require substantial amounts of the metal:

Batteries:
Rechargeable Batteries: Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are used extensively in:
Electric vehicles (EVs) - where lithium is crucial for high energy density and long life cycles.
Portable electronics like smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
Grid storage solutions for renewable energy systems to store energy from solar or wind power.
Ceramics and Glass:
Lithium carbonate is used to make special types of glass and ceramics, particularly in the manufacture of ovenware, glass for architectural applications, and specialty glass like those used in smartphones.
Lubricants:
Lithium-based greases are widely used in automotive and industrial applications due to their water resistance and thermal stability.
Metallurgical Uses:
Alloys with lithium can provide strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Aluminum-lithium alloys are used in aircraft manufacturing to reduce weight.
Pharmaceuticals:
Lithium compounds, particularly lithium carbonate and lithium citrate, are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions.
Coolants:
Lithium is sometimes used in nuclear reactors as a coolant due to its high heat capacity and low neutron absorption.
Air Treatment:
Lithium hydroxide is used in spacecraft, submarines, and rebreathers to remove carbon dioxide from the air.
Pyrotechnics:
Lithium compounds can produce vibrant red colors in fireworks and flares.

Among these, the demand from the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors has been the primary driver for the surge in lithium consumption in recent years. If you're looking for more specific data on lithium usage or its market trends, I can search for that information.