[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of lithium hydroxide, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, lithium hydroxide what use

Lithium hydroxide properties

Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a white crystalline solid with strong alkaline and hygroscopic properties. Its chemical formula is LiOH and its molecular weight is 23.95. Lithium hydroxide is divided into two forms, anhydrous and monohydrate, in which anhydrous lithium hydroxide is a white powder, and lithium hydroxide monohydrate is a white crystal. Lithium hydroxide is highly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution. It is also soluble in ethanol and glycerol, but not in ether. Due to its strong alkalinity, lithium hydroxide is corrosive and has a strong irritating effect on the skin and eyes, so proper safety measures need to be taken when handling.

Lithium hydroxide use

Lithium hydroxide is widely used in industry. One of its main applications is as a key material for lithium batteries. Due to its ability to form high purity lithium compounds, lithium hydroxide plays an important role in the production of positive electrode materials for lithium batteries, especially in the production of nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries. Lithium hydroxide is also used as a carbon dioxide absorbent, especially in submarines and space capsules, to purify the air. It is used as a catalyst, lubricant in the chemical industry and as a flux in the glass and ceramic industries. Lithium hydroxide is also used in the production of high-performance greases, which are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their thermal stability and corrosion resistance.

Upstream raw materials

The production of lithium hydroxide mainly depends on the upstream raw material spodumene and salt lake brine. Spodumene is a lithium-containing aluminum silicate mineral, which can be extracted from lithium compounds by high temperature roasting and acid-base treatment. Salt lake brine is rich in lithium ions, through evaporation concentration and chemical treatment, can also obtain lithium hydroxide. In recent years, with the increasing demand for lithium resources, more and more lithium mines and salt lake brine resources have been developed. In addition to spodumene and salt lake brine, some recycled lithium battery waste is also an important source of raw materials for lithium hydroxide production.

Downstream Products

Lithium hydroxide as a key intermediate, its downstream products mainly include lithium batteries, battery cathode materials, grease and glass ceramics. The rapid development of lithium batteries, especially the popularity of electric vehicles, has greatly promoted the demand for lithium hydroxide. Lithium battery cathode materials such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4 and LiFePO4 all require lithium hydroxide as a precursor. Lithium hydroxide for the manufacture of high-performance grease in the aviation, aerospace, military and high-end machinery manufacturing has important applications. The glass and ceramic industry uses lithium hydroxide to improve the physical and chemical properties of products, and to improve heat resistance and strength.

Lithium hydroxide production process

There are two main processes for the production of lithium hydroxide: chemical synthesis and electrolysis. The chemical synthesis method is to generate lithium hydroxide and calcium carbonate by reacting lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide, and then obtain pure lithium hydroxide through filtration, concentration and crystallization. This method is low cost, the process is relatively simple, but the purity is difficult to control. The electrolysis rule is to generate lithium hydroxide and chlorine by electrolyzing lithium chloride solution. This method can produce high-purity lithium hydroxide, but the cost is higher and the equipment requirements are stricter.

storage method

Because lithium hydroxide is highly hygroscopic and corrosive, its storage requires special attention. Lithium hydroxide should be stored in a dry, cool, ventilated warehouse, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Storage containers shall be made of plastic drums with good sealing properties or containers made of anti-corrosion materials to prevent them from absorbing moisture and carbon dioxide in the air. Storage areas should be kept away from acids, oxidants and flammable substances to prevent chemical reactions. Operators should wear protective gloves and goggles when handling lithium hydroxide to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Environmental impact and safety measures

Lithium hydroxide requires attention to its potential environmental and health impacts during production, use and disposal. As a strong alkaline substance, if lithium hydroxide leaks into the environment, it may increase the alkalinity of water and soil and affect the balance of the ecosystem. In industrial production, advanced wastewater treatment technology should be adopted to ensure that wastewater is discharged up to standard. In the workplace, an effective ventilation system and emergency eyewash should be installed, the necessary protective equipment should be provided, and employees should be trained on safety. Waste lithium hydroxide and its packaging should be properly treated in accordance with hazardous waste treatment standards to prevent secondary pollution.

Market Prospects and Challenges

With the growing global demand for clean energy and electric vehicles, the lithium hydroxide market has a bright future. Especially in major markets such as China, the United States and Europe, the demand for lithium batteries will drive the continued growth of lithium hydroxide. The market also faces some challenges. The first is the balance between supply and demand of lithium resources. The development of lithium mines and environmental protection issues need to be properly resolved. The second is technological innovation and cost control, which need to continuously improve production technology and efficiency. Uncertainty and policy changes in the global market also have an impact on the lithium hydroxide market. Overall, lithium hydroxide as an important part of the lithium battery industry chain, its future development potential is huge, but also need to face many challenges.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, lithium hydroxide has broad application prospects. It is widely used in lithium batteries, grease, glass ceramics and other fields, showing its irreplaceable importance. As the global demand for new energy sources continues to grow, the lithium hydroxide market will continue to grow. Facing the challenges of resource supply, technological innovation and environmental protection requirements, the lithium hydroxide industry needs to continuously improve its technical level and management capabilities to cope with future development opportunities and challenges.