What is Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O)?
Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O) is an inorganic compound widely used in the battery industry, particularly for lithium-ion battery cathodes. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water and ethanol. Battery-grade LiOH·H₂O is essential for producing high-performance nickel-rich cathodes (NMC, NCA) used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
Chemical Properties of Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate
- Chemical Formula: LiOH·H₂O
- Molecular Weight: 41.96 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Density: 1.51 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ~471°C (anhydrous form)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol
- pH (10% Solution): 10.5 – 11.5
- CAS Number: 1310-66-3
Applications of Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O)
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Lithium-Ion Battery Production (Battery Grade)
- Used in cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion).
- Essential for Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) and Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) cathodes, improving battery lifespan and charge capacity.
- Key material in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, energy storage systems (ESS), and consumer electronics.
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Grease & Lubricant Industry
- Used to manufacture lithium-based greases, which provide high thermal and mechanical stability.
- Commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery applications.
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Ceramics & Glass Manufacturing
- Improves durability, thermal stability, and alkali resistance of glass and ceramics.
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Alkaline Storage Batteries & Power Cells
- Used in alkaline batteries to enhance efficiency and performance.
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Carbon Dioxide Absorption (CO₂ Scrubbing)
- Applied in submarines, spacecraft, and closed environments for removing CO₂ from the air.
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Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used in the synthesis of lithium-based compounds for various industrial and medical applications.
Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O) Prices
Pricing varies depending on purity, battery-grade certification, and global lithium market demand.
- Industrial Grade (98.0% Purity): $10 – $25 per kg
- Battery Grade (≥99.5% Purity): $30 – $100 per kg
- High Purity (99.9%+ Purity for R&D & Specialty Applications): $100 – $500 per kg
Prices fluctuate based on supply chain conditions, global lithium mining trends, and demand in the EV battery sector.