Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH·H2O)

Description

1. Product Overview

Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O) is a high-purity, inorganic chemical compound essential for the production of advanced cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries, particularly nickel-rich chemistries (NCM 811, NCA). Its primary industrial use is as a lithium source for electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing, high-performance greases, and carbon dioxide scrubbing systems. The key value proposition is its superior electrochemical performance in high-energy-density batteries compared to lithium carbonate, enabling longer EV range and thermal stability. Strategically, securing reliable LiOH·H₂O supply is critical for OEMs and battery cell producers aiming to meet tightening emissions regulations and growing EV market share.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: LiOH·H₂O (Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate), CAS No. 1310-66-3

• Purity Level: Battery Grade ≥99.0% (typical); Industrial Grade ≥98.5% available

• Physical Characteristics:

  • Form: White, free-flowing crystalline powder

  • Particle Size (D50): 5–15 µm (customizable for cathode slurry mixing)

  • Bulk Density: Approx. 0.6–0.9 g/cm³

  • Magnetic impurities: <100 ppb (Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn) for battery grade

• Packaging Options:

  • 25 kg multi-layer moisture-barrier bags (HDPE inner + aluminum foil liner)

  • 500–1,000 kg FIBC (bulk bags)

  • Sealed drums for high-humidity environments

• Shelf Life: 12 months from date of manufacture when stored in original unopened packaging under dry, ambient conditions (RH <60%, T <35°C)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary Industry: EV & Energy Storage Battery Manufacturing

  • Use case: Precursor for LiNi₀.₈Co₀.₁Mn₀.₁O₂ (NCM 811) and LiNi₀.₈Co₀.₁₅Al₀.₀₅O₂ (NCA) cathodes.

  • Performance advantage: Higher ionic conductivity and lower melting point than Li₂CO₃, enabling lower sintering temperatures (750–850°C) and reduced lithium loss, directly increasing battery cycle life by 15–20%.

• Primary Industry: High-Performance Lubricants (Lithium Greases)

  • Use case: Thickening agent for multi-purpose greases in automotive and heavy machinery.

  • Advantage: Superior water resistance and mechanical stability over calcium or sodium soaps.

• Secondary Industry: Industrial Air & Life Support Systems (Submarines, Spacecraft)

  • Use case: Chemical adsorbent for CO₂ removal.

  • Efficiency: Higher CO₂ loading capacity (1 kg LiOH·H₂O absorbs ~0.9 kg CO₂) compared to alternative scrubbers.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: ISO 22000 & IATF 16949 certified production with batch-to-batch SPC control; impurity variance ≤±5% across 100+ metric tons.

• Supply Reliability: Vertically integrated upstream lithium brine/hard-rock source with dual-continent processing (Asia & Americas), ensuring supply chain resilience against geopolitical disruptions.

• Logistics Capability: Dedicated moisture-controlled container fleet with real-time IoT tracking; average lead time 14–21 days from order to FOB port loading.

• Price Competitiveness: Long-term off-take agreements enable pricing that tracks benchmark indices (e.g., Fastmarkets, S&P Global) with volume-based rebates above 500 MT/year.

• Sustainability: Carbon-neutral processing certified by third-party audit; zero liquid discharge (ZLD) manufacturing process; full traceability from mine to final bag.

• Technical Support: Complimentary cathode mixing optimization reports, stability testing data, and on-site application engineering for contract volumes ≥100 MT.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 metric tons (MT) – equivalent to one full truckload or 20-foot container

• Loading Capacity: 20–22 MT per standard 20-foot dry container (palletized, 1,000 kg FIBCs)