Lithium Carbonate (Li₂CO₃) is an inorganic lithium salt and one of the most important commercial lithium compounds. It appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder and is widely used as a primary feedstock for lithium-based chemicals.
Due to its high lithium content, chemical stability, and controlled reactivity, lithium carbonate is a cornerstone material for lithium-ion batteries, ceramics, glass, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and specialty chemical applications.
Composition & Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Li₂CO₃ |
| Molar Mass | ~73.89 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline or powdered solid |
| Crystal Structure | Monoclinic |
| Density | ~2.11 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~720–723 °C |
| Thermal Decomposition | Li₂O + CO₂ (at high temperature) |
| Solubility in Water | Slightly soluble (decreases with temperature) |
| Solubility in Organics | Insoluble |
| Chemical Behavior | Reacts with acids releasing CO₂ |
| pH (Aqueous) | Alkaline |
Chemical & Metallurgical Behavior
• Primary chemical precursor for lithium hydroxide, lithium salts, and battery cathode materials
• Thermally stable under ambient conditions
• Decomposes at elevated temperatures, releasing CO₂
• Acts as a flux or additive in metallurgical processes (steel, aluminum)
Mechanical properties such as tensile strength or hardness are not applicable, as lithium carbonate is a powdered chemical compound rather than a structural material.
Refining & Processing Properties
Production Pathway:
• Extracted from lithium-bearing brines, spodumene ores, or clay resources
• Lithium-rich solutions reacted with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) or CO₂
• Precipitated lithium carbonate is filtered, purified, dried, and milled
Quality Grades:
• Battery Grade: ≥99.5% purity, tightly controlled particle size & impurities
• Technical / Industrial Grade: ≥98.5–99% purity for non-energy uses
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Impact |
|---|---|
| Purity | Critical for battery performance & life |
| Particle Size | Affects cathode synthesis efficiency |
| Chemical Stability | Easy handling and storage |
| Ion Availability | Influences electrochemical behavior |
Available Forms
✔ Crystalline powder
✔ Fine-milled battery-grade powder (1–25 μm)
✔ Packaged industrial, technical, and battery grades
Applications of Lithium Carbonate
| Sector | Uses |
|---|---|
| Energy & Batteries | Precursor for LFP, NMC, LCO cathodes |
| Glass & Ceramics | Fluxing agent, thermal shock resistance |
| Metallurgy | Melt refinement in aluminum & steel |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mood stabilizer (medical grade) |
| Chemical Industry | Lithium salts & specialty chemicals |
Advantages of Lithium Carbonate
✔ Essential lithium-ion battery feedstock
✔ High chemical stability
✔ Established global supply chain
✔ Versatile across multiple industries
✔ Easier handling compared to more reactive lithium compounds
Why Choose Lithium Carbonate
Lithium carbonate is a foundational material for the global energy transition. Its role in lithium-ion battery production makes it indispensable for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and modern electronics. With mature refining technologies, broad industrial acceptance, and stable handling characteristics, Li₂CO₃ remains one of the most strategically important lithium compounds worldwide.