Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6)

Description

1. Product Overview

Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) is the high-purity lithium salt that serves as the essential conductive electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries. Primarily used in the production of EV traction batteries, energy storage systems (ESS), and consumer electronics cells, LiPF6 delivers superior ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. As the single most critical non-cathode material enabling high energy density and cycle life, its strategic importance lies at the heart of the global electrification and decarbonization supply chain.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: LiPF6 (CAS No. 21324-40-3), ≥99.9% purity (battery grade)

• Physical Form: White crystalline powder or transparent liquid solution (standard in EC/DMC/EMC solvents)

• Purity Level: Free acid (HF) ≤50 ppm; water content ≤10 ppm; metals (Fe, Na, K, Ca) each ≤1 ppm

• Particle Size Distribution: D50: 5–15 µm (powder form)

• Density (solution): ~1.20–1.30 g/mL at 25°C (1M LiPF6 in EC/EMC)

• Packaging Options:

  • 200 L stainless steel drums (hermetically sealed, N₂ purged)

  • 1,000 L IBCs

  • ISO tank containers (solution form)

• Shelf Life: 12 months (powder) / 6 months (solution) when stored ≤30°C in dry, inert atmosphere

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Traction Batteries: Enables high-voltage (4.2–4.5V) cathode stability, delivering >2000 cycle life at 1C rate. Outperforms LiBF4 or LiTFSI in cost-per-cycle and anodic aluminum passivation.

• Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Provides low self-discharge (<3% per month) and wide operating temperature range (-20°C to +60°C), reducing parasitic cooling/heating loads.

• Consumer Lithium-Ion Cells (3C): Achieves >95% capacity retention after 500 cycles at high charge rates (2C), critical for smartphones and power tools.

• Next-Gen Solid-State Interfaces: Used as a precursor for in-situ polymer electrolytes, offering lower interfacial resistance than dry Li-salts alternatives.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Statistical process control (SPC) with batch-to-batch CV ≤2% for HF and moisture; ISO 9001:2025 & IATF 16949 certified.

• Supply Reliability: Vertically integrated from raw Li₂CO₃ to finished LiPF6; dual production sites (Asia-Pacific & Europe) with 6-month buffer stock.

• Logistics Capability: UN 3288 Class 6.1 hazardous-certified supply chain; real-time temperature/humidity tracking in transit; door-to-door customs brokerage.

• Price Competitiveness: Fixed quarterly pricing with volume-based rebates; all-inclusive landed cost (DDP) option for North America, EU, and SE Asia.

• Sustainability: 40% lower carbon footprint vs. industry average using closed-loop HF recovery; full material safety data sheet (MSDS) + batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) available via API.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 20 metric tons (MT) — equivalent to one bulk container shipment

• Loading Capacity: 20 MT per standard 20-ft dry container (powder, drummed) or 22 MT per ISO tank (liquid solution)