What Is Lithium Hydroxide?
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a hygroscopic white solid, soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution. Available in monohydrate or anhydride forms, it’s regulated as a hazardous and toxic substance, requiring careful handling due to its corrosive properties.
Uses of Lithium Hydroxide
Its ability to absorb carbon dioxide makes it essential in space shuttles for air purification. In the battery industry, it serves as a key raw material for high-nickel cathode active materials in lithium-ion batteries, supporting the demand for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles. Additionally, it’s used in photographic solutions, as a stabilizer in grease, and as a food additive and pharmaceutical component.
Properties of Lithium Hydroxide
This white, odorless solid has a molecular weight of 23.95 and varies in density between its anhydrous and monohydrate forms. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohols, and decomposes at 924°C, releasing toxic fumes. It reacts violently with acids and corrodes metals like aluminum and zinc due to its strong alkalinity.
Other Information on Lithium Hydroxide
Production Methods
Lithium hydroxide is produced through:
1. Pulverization of Ore: Extracting lithium sulfate and lithium carbonate from ores, followed by impurity removal and precipitation of lithium as carbonate.
2. Reaction with Slaked Lime: Heating lithium carbonate with slaked lime to precipitate calcium carbonate and produce a lithium hydroxide solution, which is then concentrated and cooled to yield lithium hydroxide monohydrate.
3. Electrolysis: Purifying lithium sulfate solution for electrolysis, where lithium ions react with hydroxide ions generated at the cathode to form lithium hydroxide.
These processes highlight the careful and complex methods required to produce lithium hydroxide for its various important applications.