Lithium hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide (CAS 1310-65-2), also known as lithium hydrate, is a strong inorganic base supplied in anhydrous and monohydrate forms.

Where is Lithium hydroxide used?

• Battery manufacturing: alkalizing agent and catalyst precursor
• Lithium-ion battery supply chains: direct cathode precursor material
• Electric vehicle and energy storage batteries: feedstock for high-nickel NMC and NCA cathode active materials
• Lubricants: saponifies fatty acids into lithium-based greases
• Pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals: pH regulator and base catalyst
• Paper and textile processing: mercerization and fiber treatment
• It also serves as a base catalyst in synthesis processes requiring precise alkalinity control.
• Technical grade serves as a carbon dioxide absorbent in rebreathers.
• In dyes, colorants and inks, it raises pigment brilliance and acts as a fluxing agent in inorganic pigments and glazes.

Good to know: Battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate is the dominant commercial specification. Grades are often tested against standards such as ACS or USP depending on application needs.

Formulation notes

• May initiate polymerization in polymerizable organic compounds, especially epoxides.
• Anhydrous and monohydrate forms differ in water content, crystal structure and thermal stability.

Typical specification

• Monohydrate technical grade has a minimum of 57% active ingredient.
• For battery materials, focus is on purity and trace metal impurities, moisture content, particle properties, batch consistency, and COA and test documentation.

Regulatory status

• Classified as causing severe skin burns and serious eye damage (H314).

Storage, packaging and handling

• Corrosive to aluminium, tin and zinc, producing flammable or explosive hydrogen gas.
• Store separately from food and feed, strong oxidants and strong acids.
• Store only in original packaging, dry, well closed, in an area without drains or sewer access.
• Highly hygroscopic and strongly alkaline; moisture control, packaging integrity and storage conditions are important during transport and storage.

Frequently asked questions about Lithium hydroxide

How does the monohydrate crystal structure differ from the anhydrous form?

Monohydrate lithium hydroxide has a monoclinic prismatic crystal structure and contains a bound water molecule.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.