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Lithium Hydroxide

From space exploration to energy transition.

A Versatile Compound

Lithium hydroxide has long been recognised as a transformative substance.

During NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions, lithium hydroxide played a critical role in astronaut safety by removing carbon dioxide from cabin air in space. Today, its impact is even broader—powering the clean energy revolution through its essential role in lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium hydroxide is primarily recognised for its role in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). It facilitates the creation of high-nickel cathodes, which enhance energy density, a vital factor for long-range, high-performance electric vehicles.

Additionally, lithium hydroxide is a key ingredient in multipurpose lubricating greases, known for their stability across a wide temperature range and under heavy loads. Approximately two-thirds of all lubricating greases produced worldwide contain lithium, highlighting its reliability and efficiency in these applications.

Battery-grade lithium hydroxide is essential to powering the clean energy future—enabling high-performance electric vehicles and advanced energy storage systems.

Battery Grade Lithium Hydroxide

High Purity for High Performance.

SQMi produces Battery Grade Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate through a meticulous process and rigorous quality controls. This high-purity compound is essential for manufacturing high-nickel cathode materials, which enable greater energy density in lithium-ion batteries—critical for long-range, high-performance electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Battery grade lithium hydroxide must meet stringent chemical and physical specifications to ensure optimal performance and safety, particularly in advanced cathode chemistries such as Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) and Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA).

Technical Grade Lithium Hydroxide

Reliable performance across industries.

SQMi also produces Technical Grade Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LiOH•H₂O), a white crystalline compound with a minimum purity of 56.5%. Highly soluble in water and classified as a corrosive inorganic salt, it is used across a range of industrial applications.
Technical grade lithium hydroxide is a key ingredient in multipurpose lubricating greases, valued for its thermal stability and water resistance. It also serves as a carbon dioxide absorber, solubility enhancer in textile and paper dyes, and pH stabilizer in coolant systems.

Uses and Applications

Lithium hydroxide is central to the production of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, especially those using high-nickel cathodes. Its lower melting point compared to lithium carbonate allows for more efficient reactions during synthesis, making it the preferred choice for advanced battery technologies.
Beyond energy storage, lithium hydroxide’s versatility supports a wide range of industrial uses—from aerospace and automotive to manufacturing and chemical processing—reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of modern innovation.

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