Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is an inorganic compound and is a white hygroscopic crystalline material. It is slightly soluble in ethanol and completely soluble in water. LiOH is commercially available in the monohydrate form and the anhydrous form. Both these forms are strong bases; however, LiOH is one of the weak bases out of the alkali metal hydroxides. Along with lithium carbonate, LiOH act as an effective precursor to lithium salts.
Based on purity, the lithium hydroxide market can be segmented into standard-grade, battery-grade, and superior-grade. Standard-grade Lithium hydroxide is primarily recommended for use in industrial applications. It has low mineral impurities. However, it has low water solubility.
Battery-grade LiOH has purity higher than 99%. It is utilized as a Li-ion battery precursor and also, in specialty applications. It has low water solubility as well as HCl solubility. Superior-grade LiOH contains very low i.e. less than 0.3% of mineral impurities.
Based on application, the lithium hydroxide market can be divided into lubricants & greases, battery & energy storage, precursor compounds, air purification, ceramics, and others. LiOH is used in the production of lithium salts of stearic and other fatty acids, which are then employed as thickeners in lubricating greases.
An example of lithium grease thickener is lithium 12-hydroxystearate, which is used to produce general-purpose grease. A thickener has properties such as efficiency at a wide range of temperatures and high resistance to water to lithium grease. Lithium grease is primarily consumed in industries such as automotive and aviation.
Based on geography, the global lithium hydroxide market can be divided into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The penetration of Lithium hydroxide is high in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific compared to the rest of the world. Cumulatively, these three regions held nearly 75% share of the global lithium hydroxide market in 2017.
The lithium hydroxide market in Asia Pacific and Europe is anticipated to expand significantly in the next few years, primarily due to demand for lithium hydroxide in the battery & energy storage application segment.
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