Lithium Hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula LiOH. It is a white hygroscopic crystalline material. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol.

Physical Properties:

Chemical formula：LiOH

Molar mass：23.95 g/mol (anhydrous)/41.96 g/mol (monohydrate)

Appearance：Hygroscopic white solid

Odor： none

Density：1.46 g/cm3 (anhydrous)/1.51 g/cm3 (monohydrate)

Melting point： 462 °C (864 °F; 735 K)

Boiling point： 924 °C (1,695 °F; 1,197 K) decomposes

Applications:

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium hydroxide is a preferred precursor for lithium-ion battery cathode materials, particularly in high-energy-density batteries, as it aids in the synthesis of nickel-rich cathodes, like lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA).

Carbon Dioxide Scrubbing: Lithium hydroxide is used as a CO₂ scrubber in submarines, spacecraft, and other closed environments to purify air. It reacts with CO₂ to form lithium carbonate, effectively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Ceramics and Glass: Used in ceramic and glass production to enhance melting and improve product durability.

Industrial Greases: Lithium hydroxide is a common additive in grease formulations to improve stability at high temperatures, especially in automotive and industrial applications.

Water Treatment: Due to its alkaline nature, it is sometimes used to adjust pH in water treatment processes.

Safety and Handling:

Corrosive: Can cause chemical burns on skin or in the respiratory tract if inhaled. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary when handling.

Environmental Considerations: Proper disposal methods are required to prevent environmental contamination due to its high alkalinity.