Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) is a white, crystalline inorganic compound and a strong alkali. It is one of the most important processed lithium chemicals, primarily used in lithium-ion batteries—especially high-energy-density batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
Lithium hydroxide is typically produced by reacting lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide or by direct conversion from spodumene ores. Due to its high reactivity and purity, LiOH is preferred over lithium carbonate in many advanced industrial applications.
Chemical Composition & Physical Properties
| Property | Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | LiOH / LiOH·H₂O (monohydrate) |
| Molar Mass | 23.95 g/mol (anhydrous) / 41.96 g/mol (monohydrate) |
| Appearance | White hygroscopic crystals or powder |
| Density | ~1.46 g/cm³ (anhydrous) / ~1.51 g/cm³ (monohydrate) |
| Melting Point | ~462 °C (anhydrous) |
| Boiling Point | ~924 °C (anhydrous) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; limited solubility in alcohols |
| pH (aqueous) | Strongly alkaline |
Key Chemical Behavior
• Strong base; dissociates into Li⁺ and OH⁻ ions in water
• Neutralizes acids to form lithium salts and water
• Reacts readily with CO₂ to form lithium carbonate
• Hygroscopic—absorbs moisture from air
Metallurgical & Industrial Role
Lithium hydroxide is a chemical reagent rather than a structural material. Its value lies in its chemical reactivity and purity.
• Used as a precursor in advanced lithium compounds
• Alters melt chemistry and pH in processing environments
• Key feedstock for battery cathode material synthesis
Refining & Processing Routes
From Lithium Carbonate (Causticization)
Li₂CO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → 2LiOH + CaCO₃
Direct Spodumene Conversion
• Increasingly used for battery-grade LiOH
• Bypasses lithium carbonate stage
High-purity production requires strict control of sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium impurities.
Available Grades & Forms
| Form | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Anhydrous LiOH | Chemical synthesis, specialty battery routes |
| LiOH·H₂O (Monohydrate) | Standard commercial form |
| Battery-Grade LiOH | High-nickel cathode materials |
| Industrial-Grade LiOH | Greases, CO₂ scrubbing, ceramics |
Applications
Energy & Batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries (NMC, NCA, high-energy cathodes)
Lubricants & Greases
• Lithium soap thickeners for high-temperature greases
CO₂ Scrubbing
• Air purification in spacecraft, submarines, and confined spaces
Industrial & Chemical Uses
• Catalysis and organic synthesis
• Ceramics, cement additives, surface treatment
Advantages of Lithium Hydroxide
✔ Enables higher energy density batteries
✔ Preferred for high-nickel cathode chemistry
✔ Strong CO₂ absorption capability
✔ Broad industrial applicability
✔ Available in battery and industrial grades
Why Choose Lithium Hydroxide
Lithium hydroxide is a cornerstone of modern battery technology. Its superior performance in high-energy cathode systems, combined with versatile industrial applications and growing global production capacity, makes LiOH a strategic material for the clean-energy transition.