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)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Ceramics & Glass Manufacturing

    • Improves durability, thermal stability, and alkali resistance of glass and ceramics.
  4. Alkaline Storage Batteries & Power Cells

    • Used in alkaline batteries to enhance efficiency and performance.
  5. Carbon Dioxide Absorption (CO₂ Scrubbing)

    • Applied in submarines, spacecraft, and closed environments for removing CO₂ from the air.
  6. 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.

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