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Commercial Caustic lithium is often manufactured by digesting lithium carbonate with lime, a cost-effective process that simultaneously precipitates calcium carbonate as a by-product.
Some industrial facilities employ a process that calcines spodumene ore to produce lithium aluminate, which is then leached and converted into Caustic lithium solutions before crystallization.
Industrial-scale production capacity has been rapidly expanding worldwide, particularly in China and Australia, to meet surging demand for Caustic lithium as a critical precursor in high-nickel cathode materials for electric vehicle batteries.
CAS Number: 1310-65-2
EC Number: 215-183-4
Chemical Formula: LiOH
Molar Mass: 23.95 g/mol
Synonyms: Lithium hydroxide, 1310-65-2, Lithium hydrate, Lithium hydroxide anhydrous, Lithium hydroxide (Li(OH)), LiOH, Lithiumhydroxid, lithium;hydroxide, EINECS 215-183-4, Lithium hydroxide, anhydrous, UNII-903YL31JAS, 903YL31JAS, Lithium hydroxide flakes, MFCD00011095, CHEBI:33979, DTXSID70893845, EC 215-183-4, lithiumhydroxide, Lithium Hydroxide; Lithium Hydrate, Lithium hydoxide, 215-183-4, UN2679, UN2680, lithium hydroxid, lithium hyroxide, litium hydroxide, lithium hydorxide, Lithium monoxide anion, Lithium Hydroxide, calcinated, LITHIUM HYDROXIDE [MI], DTXCID801323885, DTXSID901337186, STL185539, AKOS015904130, AKOS025264482, AKOS037479138, DB14506, FL49109, Lithium hydroxide powder, reagent grade, Lithium hydroxide, reagent grade, 98%, Lithium hydroxide, monohydrate or lithium hydroxide, solid [UN2680] [Corrosive], 54251-08-0, L0225, NS00074475, Lithium hydroxide, powder, reagent grade, >=98%, Q407613, Lithium hydroxide, monohydrate or lithium hydroxide, solid, Lithium hydroxide, monohydrate, Trace metals grade 99.8%, 64538-53-0, "Lithium hydroxide, anhydrous/ 99%", Lithium hydroxide ,99% [anhydrous], Lithium Hydroxide Anhydrous [for General Organic Chemistry], LithiuM hydroxide, anhydrous, pure, 98% 500GR, LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 98+ 100 G, LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 98+ 1 KG, Lithium hydroxide powder, reagent grade, >=98%, Lithium hydroxide reagent grade, 98%
Caustic lithium is an inorganic compound that appears as a white, hygroscopic crystalline solid, available in both anhydrous and monohydrate forms.
Caustic lithium is a strong base and highly soluble in water, forming strongly alkaline solutions, while being only slightly soluble in alcohol.
Caustic lithium is industrially important as a precursor in the production of lithium greases, which are widely used as high-performance lubricants due to their thermal stability.
Caustic lithium also plays a critical role in the manufacture of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, particularly lithium cobalt oxide and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides.
In aerospace and submarine applications, Caustic lithium is employed in life-support systems because of its ability to efficiently absorb carbon dioxide.
Due to its corrosive and caustic nature, Caustic lithium must be handled with care, as contact can cause severe irritation or burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Caustic lithium's combination of strong alkalinity, high reactivity, and specialized applications makes Caustic lithium a valuable compound in chemical, energy storage, and environmental technologies.
Caustic lithium is known as the monohydrate (monoclinic; r.d. 1.51) and in the anhydrous form (tetragonal, r.d. 1.46; m.p. 450°C; decomposes at 924°C).
Caustic lithium is made by reacting lime with lithium salts or lithium ores.
Caustic lithium is basic but has a closer resemblance to group 2 hydroxides than to the other group 1 hydroxides (an example of the first member of a periodic group having atypical properties).
They are soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol.
Both are available commercially while classified as a strong base, Caustic lithium is the weakest known alkali metal hydroxide.
A white crystalline solid, Caustic lithium, is soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ether.
Caustic lithium neutralizes acids exothermically to form salts plus water.
Reacts with certain metals (such as aluminum and zinc) to form oxides or hydroxides of the metal and generate gaseous hydrogen.
May initiate polymerization reactions in polymerizable organic compounds, especially epoxides.
May generate flammable and/or toxic gases with ammonium salts, nitrides, halogenated organics, various metals, peroxides, and hydroperoxides.
May serve as a catalyst. Reacts when heated above about 84°C with aqueous solutions of reducing sugars other than sucrose, to evolve toxic levels of carbon monoxide.
Caustic lithium is often produced industrially from lithium carbonate in a metathesis reaction with calcium hydroxide:Li2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 LiOH + CaCO3
The initially produced hydrate is dehydrated by heating under vacuum up to 180 °C.
An alternative route involves the intermediacy of lithium sulfate: α-spodumene → β-spodumene
β-spodumene + CaO → Li2O + ... Li2O + H2SO4 → Li2SO4 + H2O, Li2SO4 + 2 NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2 LiOH
The main by-products are gypsum and sodium sulphate, which have some market value.
Caustic lithium is mainly consumed in the production of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium iron phosphate.
Caustic lithium is preferred over lithium carbonate as a precursor for lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides.
Caustic lithium and Albemarle were the largest producers in 2020 with around 25kt/y, followed by Livent Corporation (FMC) and SQM.
Significant new capacity is planned, to keep pace with demand driven by vehicle electrification.
Ganfeng are to expand lithium chemical capacity to 85,000 tons, adding the capacity leased from Jiangte, Ganfeng will become the largest Caustic lithium producer globally in 2021.
Albemarle's Kemerton, Western Australia plant, originally planned to deliver 100kt/y has been scaled back to 50kt/y.
In 2020 Tianqi Lithium's, plant in Kwinana, Western Australia was the largest producer, with a capacity of 48kt/y.
Caustic lithium is a highly water insoluble crystalline Lithium source for uses compatible with higher (basic) pH environments.
Hydroxide, the OH- anion composed of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, is commonly present in nature and is one of the most widely studied molecules in physical chemistry.
Hydroxide compounds have diverse properties and uses, from base catalysis to detection of carbon dioxide.
In a watershed 2013 experiment, scientists at JILA (the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics) achieved evaporative cooling of compounds for the first time using hydroxide molecules, a discovery that may lead to new methods of controlling chemical reactions and could impact a range of disciplines, including atmospheric science and energy production technologies.
Caustic lithium is generally immediately available in most volumes.
High purity, submicron and nanopowder forms may be considered.
American Elements produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP and EP/BP (European Pharmacopoeia/British Pharmacopoeia) and follows applicable ASTM testing standards.
Typical and custom packaging is available. Additional technical, research and safety (MSDS) information is available as is a Reference Calculator for converting relevant units of measurement.
Caustic lithium is an alkali metal hydroxide.
Caustic lithium solution in water on electrolysis forms LiOH.
In respiratory apparatus and submarines, Caustic lithium is utilized to uptake carbon dioxide.
A study on the redox mechanism of titanium dioxide (TiO2) using cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the aqueous LiOH electrolyte has been reported.
Caustic lithium is a primary product in the Lithium manufacturing supply chain and is used to make many downstream Lithium chemicals.
Caustic lithium's main application is in the manufacture of cathodes for high-powered Lithium-ion batteries.
Caustic lithium is also used as a thickener in industrial lubricants where it enables greases to operate at high temperatures without losing viscosity.
Albemarle's technical grade Caustic lithium is used as a thickener in high-performance greases, a reagent in dyes, pH balancer in power production, and as a carbon dioxide scrubbing agent in rebreather apparatuses; Caustic lithium also finds use as an intermediate in some pharmaceutical applications, especially in the production of vitamin A.
Caustic lithium is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula LiOH, and it appears as a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol.
Caustic lithium is most commonly encountered in two forms: anhydrous Caustic lithium and Caustic lithium monohydrate, both of which are used in a variety of industrial and chemical applications.
One of the most important uses of Caustic lithium is in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the production of cathode materials like lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), which are essential components in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops.
Caustic lithium is a white solid made industrially as the monohydrate (LiOH.H2O) by reacting lime with a lithium ore or with a salt made from the ore.
Caustic lithium has a closer resemblance to the group 2 hydroxides than to the group 1 hydroxides.
A popular lithium grease thickener is lithium 12-hydroxystearate, which produces a general-purpose lubricating grease due to Caustic lithium's high resistance to water and usefulness at a range of temperatures.
Caustic lithium, together with lithium carbonate, is a key intermediates used for the production of other lithium compounds, illustrated by its use in the production of lithium fluoride: LiOH + HF → LiF + H2O
Caustic lithium is also used in ceramics and some Portland cement formulations, where it is also used to suppress ASR (concrete cancer).
Caustic lithium is used to alkalize the reactor coolant in pressurized water reactors for corrosion control.
Caustic lithium is good radiation protection against free neutrons.
Caustic lithium is an alkali metal hydroxide.
Caustic lithium appears as a clear to water-white liquid whose solution may have a pungent odour.
Caustic lithium is used to make other chemicals.
In addition to battery production, Caustic lithium is used as an alkaline reagent in laboratories and as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of greases, ceramics, and specialty glasses.
In fact, Caustic lithium is widely valued in the production of high-temperature lubricating greases, where it reacts with fatty acids to produce lithium soaps, which are used as thickening agents.
Because Caustic lithium is corrosive and has strong alkaline properties, it can be used in carbon dioxide scrubbers, especially in submarines and spacecraft, where it chemically reacts with CO₂ to form lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃), helping to purify the air in closed environments.
Caustic lithium also has niche uses in water treatment, polymer production, and nuclear reactors, where its ability to control pH and react with various compounds is valuable.
Due to its chemical reactivity, especially with acids and carbon dioxide, Caustic lithium must be handled with care, as it can cause skin irritation or burns upon contact and is harmful if inhaled or ingested.
Caustic lithium is classified as a strong base, and it reacts readily with acids, carbon dioxide, and moisture in the air, making it highly reactive in both laboratory and industrial settings, where it is often used to neutralize acidic environments or act as a pH regulator.
In the aerospace and defense industries, Caustic lithium plays a vital role in life-support systems, especially in enclosed environments such as submarines, spacecraft, or cleanrooms, where it is used in CO₂ scrubbing systems to maintain breathable air by converting exhaled carbon dioxide into solid lithium carbonate.
As a precursor material for the synthesis of various lithium compounds, Caustic lithium serves as a foundation for the development of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, making it essential in chemical synthesis and material science research.
In the nuclear energy sector, Caustic lithium is sometimes added to the coolant water in pressurized water reactors to control corrosion and maintain the water’s alkalinity, helping to reduce the buildup of boric acid and stabilize pH, thus ensuring the longevity of reactor components.
The production of Caustic lithium is typically done through the reaction of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), or through extraction from lithium brine deposits or spodumene ore, processes which are of increasing strategic importance given the global demand for lithium-based energy storage.
In ceramics and glass manufacturing, Caustic lithium is used to improve the thermal shock resistance and strength of specialty glasses, including ovenproof cookware and glass for electronic devices, by modifying the silica structure of the glass during melting.
From a safety perspective, Caustic lithium is classified as a corrosive substance, and it can cause serious damage to skin, eyes, and respiratory systems if proper precautions are not followed during handling, including the use of gloves, goggles, and appropriate ventilation.
Caustic lithium is an inorganic alkaline compound that typically occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline solid, found in both anhydrous and monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O) forms.
Caustic lithium is strongly hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, and is classified as a strong base, though it is slightly weaker compared to sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
Caustic lithium is moderately soluble in water, producing highly alkaline solutions, and is sparingly soluble in alcohols.
Industrially, Caustic lithium is of considerable importance because it serves as a precursor in the production of lithium-based greases and lubricants, which are prized for their high thermal stability, water resistance, and long service life in demanding mechanical and automotive applications.
In the energy sector, Caustic lithium plays a critical role in the preparation of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, including lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) and nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides (NMC), which are widely used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
Another vital application is in aerospace, naval, and submarine life-support systems, where Caustic lithium canisters are used to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air, ensuring safe breathing conditions for astronauts and crew members in confined environments.
Beyond these uses, Caustic lithium is employed in ceramics, specialty glass production, and as an additive in alkaline storage batteries.
Despite its technological importance, Caustic lithium is highly caustic and corrosive, capable of causing severe irritation and chemical burns upon contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, while inhalation of dust can damage the respiratory tract.
Therefore, Caustic lithium's handling requires strict safety measures, including protective equipment and controlled storage conditions.
With the accelerating demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, Caustic lithium has emerged as a strategically significant chemical, as its use in high-nickel cathode battery chemistries offers advantages in terms of performance, stability, and energy density, solidifying its position as a key material in modern energy and environmental technologies.
Market Overview of Caustic Lithium:
The global Caustic lithium market is expanding rapidly, driven by soaring demand from the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage industries, where it is a key material for producing high-nickel cathode batteries.
Valued at around USD 25 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach between USD 105 and 156 billion by the mid-2030s, with growth rates averaging 15% annually.
On a volume basis, demand is expected to nearly triple from 229 kilotons in 2025 to almost 700 kilotons by 2030, reflecting the urgent global shift toward clean energy.
Asia-Pacific dominates the market, accounting for the largest share and fastest growth, while the U.S. market alone reached USD 5.4 billion in 2024, supported by large-scale investments in domestic battery manufacturing.
This exceptional growth highlights Caustic lithium’s status as a strategic raw material, essential for the future of renewable energy, advanced storage systems, and the worldwide transition to sustainable mobility.
Uses of Caustic Lithium:
Caustic lithium is a highly versatile compound with broad applications across several industries.
Caustic lithium's largest and fastest-growing use is in the production of lithium-ion batteries, particularly as a precursor for cathode materials such as lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA).
These high-energy-density batteries are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems, making Caustic lithium a strategic material in the global energy transition.
Beyond batteries, Caustic lithium serves as an important industrial alkali.
Caustic lithium is used in the lubricants industry to produce lithium-based greases, valued for their high thermal stability, water resistance, and performance under extreme pressure, making them indispensable in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery applications.
In the ceramics and glass industry, Caustic lithium improves the thermal and mechanical properties of glass and ceramics by lowering melting points and enhancing strength.
Caustic lithium also finds use in the nuclear industry, where Caustic lithium (especially enriched in lithium-7 isotope) is added to pressurized water reactors to maintain the pH balance of reactor coolant, thereby minimizing corrosion and radiation damage.
Additionally, Caustic lithium is applied in air purification systems (such as those in submarines and spacecraft) to capture and neutralize carbon dioxide, ensuring breathable air in closed environments.
Because of its role in energy storage, high-performance materials, and environmental control, Caustic lithium is increasingly regarded as a critical material for modern technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
Caustic lithium is used as an electrolyte in certain alkaline storage batteries; and in the production of lithium soaps.
Other uses of this compound include Caustic lithium's catalytic applications in esterification reactions in the production of alkyd resins; in photographic developer solutions; and as a starting material to prepare other lithium salts.
Caustic lithium is soluble in water.
Caustic lithium is used in the formulation of lithium soaps used in multipurpose greases; also in the manufacture of various lithium salts; and as an additive to the electrolyte of alkaline storage batteries.
Caustic lithium also is an efficient, light-weight absorbent for carbon dioxide.
Caustic lithium is used as a heat transfer medium, as a storage-battery electrolyte and also used for the production of lithium greases.
Caustic lithium is also used in ceramics, in some portland cement formulations, in the absoption of carbondioxide from sealed enviornments such as submarines, spacecrafts and breathing apparatus.
Caustic lithium is used in esterification reactions, as stabilizer in photographic developments and as a coolant in pressurized water reactors for corrosion control.
Caustic lithium is an alkali metal hydroxide that is used in storage batteries and soaps and as CO2 absorber in spacecrafts.
Caustic lithium is used in breathing gas purification systems for spacecraft, submarines, and rebreathers to remove carbon dioxide from exhaled gas by producing lithium carbonate and water: 2 LiOH·H2O + CO2 → Li2CO3 + 3 H2O or 2 LiOH + CO2 → Li2CO3 + H2O
The latter, anhydrous hydroxide, is preferred for Caustic lithium's lower mass and lesser water production for respirator systems in spacecraft.
One gram of anhydrous Caustic lithium can remove 450 cm3 of carbon dioxide gas.
The monohydrate loses Caustic lithium's water at 100–110 °C.
Caustic lithium is used in the following products: adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases, hydraulic fluids, metal working fluids, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay and biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products).
Other release to the environment of Caustic lithium is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Release to the environment of Caustic lithium can occur from industrial use: industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal).
Other release to the environment of Caustic lithium is likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Caustic lithium can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: electrical batteries and accumulators and machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines).
Caustic lithium can be found in products with material based on: stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material), fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys) and metal (e.g. cutlery, pots, toys, jewellery).
Caustic lithium is used in the following products: hydraulic fluids, lubricants and greases, metal working fluids, adhesives and sealants and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Caustic lithium is used in the following areas: building & construction work, health services and formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Caustic lithium is used for the manufacture of: chemicals and.
Other release to the environment of Caustic lithium is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Caustic lithium is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, adhesives and sealants, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, metal working fluids and hydraulic fluids.
Release to the environment of Caustic lithium can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Caustic lithium is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, metal working fluids, hydraulic fluids, inks and toners, polymers, adhesives and sealants and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Caustic lithium is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement), textile, leather or fur, electrical, electronic and optical equipment and machinery and vehicles.
Release to the environment of Caustic lithium can occur from industrial use: in the production of articles, in processing aids at industrial sites, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), of substances in closed systems with minimal release, as processing aid and as processing aid.
Caustic lithium is primarily used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, where it serves as a key raw material for synthesizing cathode materials, such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), which are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronics.
Another major application is in the production of high-performance lubricating greases, where Caustic lithium reacts with fatty acids to form lithium-based soaps that serve as thickening agents; these greases are valued for their thermal stability, water resistance, and mechanical performance, making them ideal for automotive, aviation, and heavy machinery use.
In environments where air quality must be tightly controlled—such as submarines, spacecraft, and sealed laboratories—Caustic lithium is used in carbon dioxide scrubbers, where it reacts with CO₂ to produce lithium carbonate, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the air and ensuring a breathable atmosphere.
In some nuclear power plants, particularly pressurized water reactors (PWRs), Caustic lithium is added to the coolant system to control the pH of the water, which helps reduce corrosion in metal components and prolongs the life of the reactor infrastructure.
Caustic lithium is used in the glass and ceramics industries to improve the strength, clarity, and thermal shock resistance of specialty glass products, including cookware, smartphone screens, and glass used in solar panels, by modifying the silica structure during melting.
Because of its strong basic nature, Caustic lithium is often used as a reagent in organic and inorganic chemical synthesis, where it helps to neutralize acids, initiate chemical reactions, or adjust the pH of solutions in laboratories and industrial processes.
In some industrial settings, Caustic lithium may be used in catalyst formulations or polymer processing, where its alkalinity contributes to polymerization reactions or surface treatments for materials.
Caustic lithium can be used in water purification systems to neutralize acidic waste streams or adjust the pH of water supplies, especially in industrial settings where precise pH control is needed.
Caustic lithium is also a precursor in the synthesis of other lithium compounds, including lithium bromide, lithium chloride, and lithium carbonate, which have further applications in pharmaceuticals, air conditioning, metallurgy, and more.
Benefits of Caustic Lithium:
Caustic lithium offers several important benefits that make it a critical industrial and technological material.
Caustic lithium's primary advantage lies in its role as a key precursor in the production of lithium-ion batteries, particularly those with high-nickel cathode chemistries (NMC and NCA), where it improves battery energy density, thermal stability, and cycle life.
Compared to other lithium salts, Caustic lithium enables higher performance in electric vehicle batteries, supporting longer driving ranges and faster charging.
Beyond energy storage, Caustic lithium is highly valued in lubricant manufacturing, where it is used to produce high-temperature, water-resistant greases with excellent mechanical stability.
In ceramics and glass, Caustic lithium enhances melting efficiency, reduces thermal expansion, and improves product durability.
Caustic lithium's strong alkalinity also makes it useful in air purification systems, such as in submarines and spacecraft, where it absorbs carbon dioxide effectively.
Collectively, these benefits position Caustic lithium as a strategic enabler of clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and environmental safety solutions.
Production of Caustic Lithium:
Caustic lithium is primarily produced from lithium-rich minerals or brine sources, using chemical processes that extract and refine lithium compounds.
From hard rock minerals such as spodumene (LiAlSi₂O₆), production typically involves roasting the ore at high temperatures (~1000–1100 °C) to convert α-spodumene into the more reactive β-spodumene form.
This is then treated with sulfuric acid to produce lithium sulfate, which is leached, filtered, and further processed with sodium carbonate to yield lithium carbonate.
Lithium carbonate is subsequently converted into Caustic lithium through a causticization reaction with calcium hydroxide, producing high-purity Caustic lithium monohydrate.
Alternatively, when derived from brine resources (such as those in South America’s “Lithium Triangle” or geothermal brines), lithium chloride is obtained via solar evaporation and then subjected to electrolysis or chemical conversion to Caustic lithium.
This method is increasingly favored due to Caustic lithium's relatively lower cost and scalability, although it is sensitive to environmental and water usage concerns.
Industrial advances have also introduced direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, which aim to improve efficiency, reduce ecological impact, and meet the growing demand from the electric vehicle battery industry.
Through these processes, global Caustic lithium production has rapidly expanded, positioning it as a strategic material for the transition to renewable energy and electrification.
Synthesis of Caustic Lithium:
Caustic lithium can be synthesized through several industrial and laboratory routes, primarily starting from lithium minerals or lithium salts:
From Lithium Carbonate (Li₂CO₃):
Caustic lithium is most commonly produced by reacting lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide (lime milk) in an aqueous medium.
Reaction:
Li2CO3+Ca(OH)2→2LiOH+CaCO3↓
In this process, insoluble calcium carbonate precipitates out, leaving Caustic lithium in solution, which is then separated, purified, and crystallized.
This method is widely used because lithium carbonate is relatively abundant and readily produced from spodumene or lithium brines.
From Lithium Sulfate (Li₂SO₄):
Lithium sulfate, obtained from mineral processing, can be reacted with barium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to yield Caustic lithium.
Direct Synthesis from Spodumene Ore (LiAl(SiO₃)₂):
Spodumene, a lithium-bearing mineral, is first subjected to roasting at ~1000 °C to transform it from α- to β-spodumene, making it more reactive.
The roasted ore is treated with sulfuric acid to form lithium sulfate, which is then converted to Caustic lithium through precipitation and purification steps.
Electrolytic Routes:
Caustic lithium can also be prepared electrolytically by the electrolysis of lithium chloride (LiCl) solution, where LiOH is formed in the aqueous phase as a byproduct.
Reaction:
2H2O+2e−→H2+2OH−
followed by neutralization with Li⁺ ions.
By Neutralization of Lithium Metal or Lithium Oxide:
Lithium metal reacts vigorously with water to produce Caustic lithium and hydrogen gas:
2LiOH+
