[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of lithium chloride, working principle of lithium chloride solution

Lithium chloride properties

Lithium chloride (LiCl) is an inorganic compound with high solubility and deliquescence. It usually exists in the form of a colorless or white crystalline powder with a salty taste. It has a melting point of 605°C and a boiling point of 1382°C. Lithium chloride has high solubility in water and ethanol, but is almost insoluble in ether. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, but it will decompose at high temperatures to produce hydrogen chloride gas. Lithium chloride has a molecular weight of 42.39g/mol, a face-centered cubic crystal structure and a density of about 2.068g/cm³.

Lithium chloride uses

Lithium chloride is widely used in various industries. It is an important raw material for the preparation of other lithium compounds, such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, which are widely used in the battery industry, especially in the production of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium chloride also has applications in air conditioning and desiccants because of its strong hygroscopicity. Lithium chloride is also used in the preparation of special glass and ceramics to improve the heat resistance and mechanical strength of the material. In the field of medicine, lithium chloride is used as an antidepressant and as a pharmaceutical ingredient in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium chloride is also used in the metallurgical industry as a flux to lower the melting point of certain metals and alloys.

Upstream raw materials

The upstream raw materials for the production of lithium chloride mainly include lithium ore and salt lake brine. Lithium ores, such as spodumene and lepidolite, are important sources of lithium extraction. Through crushing, grinding, leaching and purification of ore, high purity lithium required for lithium chloride can be obtained. Salt lake brines are used to extract lithium by evaporative crystallization, which is particularly common in the lithium triangle of South America (including Bolivia, Chile and Argentina). The concentration of lithium ions in the brine is high, and lithium-containing salts can be obtained by gradual evaporation and precipitation, and then lithium chloride can be prepared by chemical reaction.

Downstream Products

The downstream products of lithium chloride cover many fields. The most notable application is the production of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium chloride can be chemically reacted to form lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, which are the main components of lithium battery electrolytes. Lithium chloride is used in the glass and ceramic industries to make materials of high strength and high heat resistance. In the pharmaceutical industry, lithium chloride is used to develop drugs to treat mental illness. In the metallurgical industry, lithium chloride is used as a flux for the smelting of aluminum and copper. Other applications include use as a moisture absorbent in refrigerators and air conditioning systems, and as a catalyst in certain chemical synthesis processes.

Production process

There are two main production processes for lithium chloride: salt lake lithium extraction and ore lithium extraction. The lithium extraction process from the salt lake uses the lithium salt in the salt lake brine to obtain lithium chloride through gradual evaporation crystallization and chemical reaction. The extraction of lithium from the ore involves the extraction of lithium from the lithium ore, and the preparation of high-purity lithium chloride through the steps of crushing, grinding, leaching, precipitation and refining. These two methods have their own advantages and disadvantages: the cost of lithium extraction from salt lakes is low, but it has a certain impact on the environment; the purity of lithium extraction from ore is high, but the process is complicated and the cost is high.

storage method

Lithium chloride is highly hygroscopic, so its storage requires special attention to moisture protection. Lithium chloride should be stored in a sealed container and kept in a dry, cool environment. In general, lithium chloride should be kept away from water sources and humid air to avoid contact with oxidants and acids. The storage area should be well ventilated and equipped with protective equipment to prevent leakage and contamination. In the process of transportation, also need to use moisture-proof packaging materials, and follow the relevant provisions of the transport of dangerous chemicals, to ensure safety.

Environment and safety

Lithium chloride requires attention to its potential environmental and health effects during use and handling. Although lithium chloride itself is less toxic, prolonged exposure or ingestion may still cause health hazards, such as skin and eye irritation, and even affect the nervous system. In terms of environment, leakage of lithium chloride may cause pollution to water body and soil. Therefore, when enterprises produce, use and dispose of lithium chloride, they must follow relevant environmental protection regulations and take effective pollution control measures, such as wastewater treatment and waste recycling, to reduce its impact on the environment.

Market Analysis

In recent years, with the rapid development of the new energy automobile industry, the global demand for lithium-ion batteries has increased significantly, which has led to the rapid growth of the lithium chloride market. Especially in major markets such as China, the United States and Europe, the demand for high-purity lithium chloride is rising. With this, the exploration and development of global lithium resources is also increasing, the mining technology of lithium ore and salt lake resources is constantly improving, and the stability of the supply chain is gradually improving. Market analysis predicts that the market demand for lithium chloride will maintain steady growth in the next few years, but it is also necessary to pay attention to the market supply and demand balance and price fluctuations.

Conclusion

As an important lithium compound, lithium chloride has a wide range of applications and huge market potential. From its physical and chemical properties, production process, application fields, to upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods, every link has an important impact on the industrial chain of lithium chloride. With the promotion of technological progress and market demand, the production and application of lithium chloride will continue to expand and deepen. When developing the lithium chloride industry, enterprises need to consider environmental protection and safety management to ensure sustainable development. Through continuous innovation and optimization of the process, the lithium chloride industry will usher in a broader development prospects.