Battery Grade Lithium Hydroxide Information
What is Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
Battery - grade lithium hydroxide is a high - purity chemical compound with the formula LiOH. It is a key raw material in the production of lithium - ion batteries. This grade of lithium hydroxide is carefully refined and processed to meet the strict quality requirements of the battery industry. It is usually in the form of a white crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water.
History of Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
The history of lithium hydroxide production dates back to the early development of lithium - based chemicals. As the demand for lithium - ion batteries grew with the expansion of portable electronics and the emerging electric vehicle market, the need for high - quality battery - grade lithium hydroxide became more prominent. In the past few decades, advancements in lithium extraction and purification technologies have been made to produce lithium hydroxide with higher purity and better quality suitable for battery applications.
Purpose of Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
- Cathode Material Preparation: It is a crucial ingredient in the synthesis of cathode materials for lithium - ion batteries. For example, it is used in the production of lithium - nickel - cobalt - manganese - oxide (NCM) and lithium - cobalt - oxide (LCO) cathodes, which play a vital role in determining the battery's energy density and performance.
- Electrolyte Additive: Can also be used as an additive in battery electrolytes to improve the performance and stability of the electrolyte solution. This helps in enhancing the battery's overall electrochemical performance, such as cycle life and safety.
Principle of Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
- Chemical Synthesis: In the production of cathode materials, lithium hydroxide participates in chemical reactions that form the active cathode material structure. For example, in the synthesis of NCM cathodes, lithium hydroxide reacts with metal salts (such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese salts) through co - precipitation or other chemical methods to form the desired multi - metal oxide cathode structure.
- Electrochemical Role: In the battery cell, lithium hydroxide - derived cathode materials enable the reversible intercalation and de - intercalation of lithium ions during the charge - discharge process. This allows the battery to store and release electrical energy through the movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode.
Features of Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
- High Purity: Battery - grade lithium hydroxide typically has a very high purity level, often above 99.5%. This high purity is essential to ensure the consistent performance and long - term stability of lithium - ion batteries, as impurities can have a negative impact on battery performance.
- Fine Particle Size: Usually has a fine particle size distribution, which is beneficial for better mixing and reaction during cathode material preparation. It allows for more uniform distribution of lithium in the cathode structure, improving the battery's electrochemical performance.
- Low Impurities: The content of harmful impurities such as heavy metals and other elements that could interfere with the battery's electrochemical reactions is kept to a minimum. This helps in reducing self - discharge, improving safety, and increasing the cycle life of the battery.
Types of Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
- Monohydrate: Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O) is a common form. It contains one molecule of water per formula unit of lithium hydroxide. The presence of water affects its physical and chemical properties, such as solubility and reactivity, and is an important consideration in its storage and use.
- Anhydrous: Anhydrous lithium hydroxide (LiOH) without water molecules is also used in some applications. It has different handling and reaction characteristics compared to the monohydrate form and is preferred in certain battery manufacturing processes where water content needs to be strictly controlled.
Precautions for using Battery - grade Lithium Hydroxide
- Handling Precautions: It is a caustic substance, so appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing should be worn during handling. Contact with skin and eyes should be avoided as it can cause severe burns.
- Storage Conditions: Should be stored in a cool, dry, and well - ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible substances. The storage containers should be sealed to prevent the absorption of moisture and contamination.
