Lithium Hydroxide
Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is an alkali metal compound derived from the alkaline earth metal lithium. A white crystal compound, it is often referred to as white caustic and is used in many industrial and manufacturing applications.
The most common use for lithium hydroxide is as a raw material for batteries, particularly lithium ion batteries. Its other uses include a desiccant for air and gas purification, hydrogen fuel cells, nuclear reactors, and in semiconductor processing.
Lithium hydroxide can also be used in the food and pharmaceutical industry for functions such as pH adjustment, neutralization of acidic solutions, and crystallization of salts. This compound has very good absorbing properties, making it an efficient and cost effective product for industrial uses.
In its pure form, lithium hydroxide is a white and extremely odorless powder. Its solubility in water is very low. Multiple forms of lithium hydroxide are available, such as a concentrated solution, hydroxide solution, anhydrous form, and anhydrous crystals.
Lithium Hydroxide is made by the reaction of hydroxide ions with lithium salts, such as lithium carbonate and lithium chloride. This is a strongly exothermic reaction, releasing heat and forming lithium hydroxide. The reaction of sodium hydroxide and lithium chloride produces sodium chloride and lithium hydroxide.
Almost all lithium hydroxide is made synthetically. This process involves combining the starting materials (lithium carbonate or lithium chloride) with sodium hydroxide, which is then heated to generate the hydrogen gas and other gaseous by-products. The gas is separated and the lithium hydroxide is left behind.
The finished product is a lithium hydroxide powder, which can be used as a raw material for making lithium ion batteries or in other industrial and manufacturing applications.
The most common form of lithium hydroxide is in monohydrate form, which contains one water molecule for each lithium hydroxide molecule. This form of lithium hydroxide is more soluble in water and is used in many industrial processes.
By synthesizing lithium hydroxide, the product has a higher degree of purity that is ideal for industrial use. Oftentimes, the product is used for odor control in areas such as air conditioning systems, forced air heating systems, and gas supplies.
Paired with a desiccant, such as calcium oxide, lithium hydroxide can be used as a drying agent. This combination is often used to reduce the moisture of air and gas supplies. It is also used to reduce the corrosive nature of these gases.
Lithium hydroxide is also an efficient fire retardant agent and is often added to materials such as plastics and fabrics to help control and reduce the spread of fire. It helps to break down the flammability of the material and reduce the potential damage.
Lithium hydroxide is an alkali metal compound and an effective product for many industrial and commercial applications. From its use in batteries to fire inhibition, this white crystal substance is a safe and effective tool for many needs.
