Lithium finds use in high -strength glass, and its use as a cathode in
high energy density batteries (which might be used in cars) has
been extensively investigated. Much sodium is used, as an alloy
with lead, in a reaction with ethyl chloride to produce tetraethyllead,
the "anti-knock' additive in petrol. Sodium is used to produce
sodium peroxide and sodium hydride. Liquid sodium, with its high
thermal conductivity, is used as a heat exchange liquid in fastbreeder
nuclear reactors, and in sodium-filled electrical transmission
lines. Potassium is used to make potassium superoxide KO2 which
reacts with water and carbon dioxide to give oxygen,