Lithium general description
Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal with a low density, making it highly reactive and flammable when exposed to air or water. It has a wide range of applications, including in rechargeable batteries for electronic devices and electric vehicles due to its high energy density, as well as in ceramics, glass, lubricants, and psychiatric medication to treat bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Lithium also has some industrial applications, such as in the production of aluminum, magnesium, and nuclear reactors.
Lithium hydroxide
Lithium hydroxide is a compound that has many uses in different industries. It is obtained from the reaction of lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide, and it can form lithium salts or soaps with fatty acids. These soaps are used as thickeners in lubricating greases, which have high temperature and water resistance, and can withstand extreme pressures. Lithium hydroxide is also used as an additive in alkaline batteries, and as a carbon dioxide scrubber in submarines and spacecrafts.
Lithium hydroxide is an important raw material for making cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles and other devices.
Notes
Data from Delta Analysis and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
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