Lithium Hydroxide

About Lithium Hydroxide

Lithium Hydroxide Technical & Application Summary

Chemical Name: Lithium Hydroxide
Formula: LiOH
CAS No.: 1310-65-2
Molecular Weight: 23.95 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline solid / powder
Nature: Strong inorganic alkali; hygroscopic and corrosive

Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate

Formula: LiOHHO
CAS No.: 1310-66-3
Molecular Weight: 41.96 g/mol
LiOH Equivalent: Approximately 57.1%

Key Chemical Properties

Lithium hydroxide is a strong alkaline, water-soluble lithium compound. It readily reacts with acids to form lithium salts and water and absorbs carbon dioxide from air to form lithium carbonate:

2LiOH + CO LiCO + HO

It is hygroscopic and should be protected from moisture and atmospheric CO. It is non-combustible but is strongly corrosive and can cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Contact with certain metals, such as aluminium and zinc, can generate hydrogen.

Major Industrial Applications

• Lithium-ion batteries: Important lithium source for manufacturing cathode materials such as NMC, NCA and high-nickel cathodes.

• Lubricating greases: Used to manufacture lithium soaps, including lithium 12-hydroxystearate, for high-performance lubricating greases.

• CO absorption: Used in closed-air systems, spacecraft, submarines and specialized gas-purification applications.

• Ceramics & glass: Used in selected lithium-containing ceramic and glass formulations to modify thermal and processing properties.

• Chemical manufacturing: Raw material/intermediate for producing various lithium salts and specialty lithium chemicals.

• Other applications: Specialty chemical synthesis, polymerization/catalyst systems and selected industrial processing applications.

Commercial Grades

Technical Grade: Used mainly for grease, chemical manufacturing, CO absorption and selected industrial applications.

Battery Grade: High-purity LiOHHO with tightly controlled impurities such as LiCO, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Ni, Cu, SO, Cl and moisture, depending on the battery/cathode manufacturer's specification.

Storage & Handling

Store in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant packaging in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with acids, moisture, CO and incompatible metals. Handle with appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing and eye/face protection.

Transportation: Anhydrous lithium hydroxide is generally classified as UN 2680, Class 8 (Corrosive), Packing Group II; always verify the current product SDS and applicable transport regulations.

Key commercial distinction: Always specify whether the product is anhydrous LiOH or LiOHHO (monohydrate) and whether it is technical grade or battery grade when requesting quotations or preparing specifications.