Lithium Carbonate

1. Product Overview

Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) is the most important industrial compound of lithium, serving as the precursor for virtually all other lithium compounds. It is an inorganic salt that appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or colorless monoclinic crystal . Its chemical formula is Li₂CO₃ with CAS number 554-13-2 and molecular weight of approximately 73.89 g/mol .

Lithium carbonate occupies a unique position across multiple industries—from its critical role in lithium-ion batteries powering the electric vehicle revolution to its established use as a first-line mood stabilizer in psychiatry. It is also widely used in glass, ceramics, aluminum production, and specialty applications .

First isolated in the early 19th century, lithium carbonate's psychiatric applications were discovered in the 1940s, while its importance in energy storage has skyrocketed in the 21st century with the global transition to electrification.

2. Key Features

• Dual Market Criticality: Serves as the foundational material for both the energy storage industry (battery-grade) and the pharmaceutical industry (USP-grade), with purity specifications tailored to each application .

• Battery-Grade Purity: High-purity lithium carbonate (≥99.5%) with extremely low levels of impurities (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb < 0.0003%) is essential for synthesizing cathode materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium cobalt oxide, and ternary materials .

• Pharmaceutical-Grade Efficacy: USP-grade lithium carbonate is a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, effectively managing manic episodes and providing maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence . It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations .

• Thermal Stability: With a melting point of 618-735°C and boiling point of 1310-1342°C (decomposition), it remains stable across a wide temperature range, making it suitable for high-temperature industrial processes .

• Controlled Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (1.29 g/100 mL at 25°C) but readily soluble in dilute acids, allowing controlled release in pharmaceutical applications and controlled reactions in industrial processes .

• Critical Material for Green Transition: As the primary raw material for lithium-ion batteries, it plays an essential role in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and portable electronics, supporting global decarbonization efforts .

• Multiple Purity Grades Available: Offered in various specifications from technical grade (99%) through high-purity battery grade (99.5-99.99%) to ultra-high purity (99.999%) for specialized applications .

3. Technical Specifications with Explanations

Battery Grade Specifications (Typical) 

Pharmaceutical Considerations 

4. Applications

Energy Storage & Battery Industry

• Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes: Primary use of battery-grade lithium carbonate is in synthesizing cathode materials:

• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP): Fast-growing cathode material for electric vehicles and energy storage

• Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO): Used in consumer electronics

• Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) and ternary materials (NCM, NCA): For high-performance EV batteries 

• Battery-Grade Lithium Compounds: Converted to lithium hydroxide for high-nickel cathodes or other specialty lithium chemicals 

Pharmaceutical & Medical Applications 

• Bipolar Disorder Treatment: First-line maintenance therapy for manic-depressive illness, reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes 

• Available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets (150 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 600 mg) 

• Extended-release formulations reduce peak-to-trough variability in blood levels 

• Mania Management: Effective for acute manic episodes, typically normalizing symptoms within 1-3 weeks 

• Investigational Uses: Studied for cognitive effects, though evidence does not show significant memory impairment at therapeutic doses 

• Historical Cardiac Use: Investigated in refractory congestive heart failure for diuretic effects 

Glass & Ceramics Industry

• Glass Manufacturing: Reduces melting temperature and thermal expansion; improves strength and clarity in specialty glasses, ovenware, and glass-ceramics 

• Ceramic Glazes: Used in both low-fire and high-fire ceramic glazes as a flux; improves color development and reduces firing time 

• Tile Adhesives: Enhances bonding properties in construction materials 

Aluminum Production

• Electrolyte Additive: Added to aluminum smelting baths (Hall-Héroult process) to lower melting point and increase current efficiency 

Industrial & Specialty Applications

• Lithium Compounds Production: Starting material for manufacturing all other lithium chemicals (lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, etc.) 

• Metal Oxides Processing: Used in processing of various metal oxides for specialty applications 

• Catalysts: Component in catalyst formulations for chemical synthesis 

High-Technology Applications

• Optical Grade: For specialty glasses, optical components, and photonics 

• Electronics: Used in semiconductor manufacturing and electronic components 

• Single Crystals: For producing lithium tantalate and lithium niobate single crystals used in acoustic wave devices and optical applications 

5. Product Grade Comparison

6. Purchasing & Selection Guide

Select by Application Area

1. Battery Manufacturers:

• Fe, Cu, Pb each ≤ 0.0003% (3 ppm) maximum 

• Magnetic impurities ≤ 150 ppb (Fe+Cr+Zn) 

• Particle size D50 5.0-8.0 µm for optimal cathode processing 

• Moisture ≤ 0.25% (critical for battery performance) 

• Must select Battery Grade with ≥99.5% purity and strict impurity controls 

• Critical parameters requiring verification:

• Request COA with full trace element analysis and ROHS report (annual) 

• Verify consistency across batches (every 5 tons tested) 

• Consider shelf life: 12 months maximum for battery grade 

• Immediate-release vs. extended-release formulations 

• Tablet strength options (150, 300, 400, 450, 600 mg) 

• Inactive ingredients compatibility 

• Drug Master File (DMF) access

• cGMP manufacturing certification

• USP monograph compliance verification

• Must select USP Grade meeting pharmacopoeia standards 

• Require comprehensive documentation:

• Consider formulation requirements:

• Understand narrow therapeutic index requiring serum monitoring 

• Technical Grade (99%) typically sufficient 

• Focus on consistency and impurity profiles that affect color and melting

• Verify particle size for uniform mixing

• Consider cost-effectiveness for high-volume applications

• Reagent Grade (99%) for general research 

• High Purity (99.99-99.999%) for specialized studies 

• Analytical standards for quantitative analysis

• Select grade based on end-product requirements

• Battery-grade starting material for high-purity downstream products

• Technical grade for industrial-scale conversions

Critical Selection Considerations

• Purity Requirements Drive Selection:

• Battery applications demand the strictest impurity controls, especially for magnetic particles 

• Pharmaceutical applications require toxicological safety and consistent dissolution 

• Glass/ceramics prioritize cost-effectiveness and consistent melting behavior

• Physical Form Matters:

• Powder: Standard for most applications

• Controlled particle size: Essential for battery cathode manufacturing 

• Compressible grade: Required for tablet formulation 

• Moisture Control:

• Battery grade: Strict moisture limits (≤0.25%) 

• Pharmaceutical: Moisture affects tablet stability

• All grades: Hygroscopic nature requires sealed packaging 

Regulatory & Safety Considerations

⚠️ Important Regulatory Notes:

• Pharmaceutical Use: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index (0.8-1.2 mEq/L); toxic levels begin at ≥1.5 mEq/L 

• Pregnancy Warning: Lithium may cause fetal harm, including cardiac anomalies (Ebstein's anomaly) 

• Nursing Mothers: Lithium excreted in breast milk; nursing not recommended 

• Pediatric Use: Safety in children under 12 not established 

• TSCA Status: Listed for US commerce 

• REACH: Registered for EU 

• Transport: Not regulated as hazardous for most modes 

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between battery-grade and pharmaceutical-grade lithium carbonate?

A: These grades are optimized for completely different applications:

• Battery-grade (≥99.5%) focuses on ultra-low metallic impurities (Fe, Cu, Pb ≤ 3 ppm) and magnetic particle control (≤150 ppb) because these affect battery performance and safety. Particle size is also controlled (5-8 µm) for cathode manufacturing .

• Pharmaceutical-grade (USP) prioritizes consistent dissolution profile, bioavailability, and toxicological safety. It must meet USP monograph requirements and be manufactured under cGMP .

They are not interchangeable—using the wrong grade can lead to product failure or safety issues.

Q: Is lithium carbonate safe for treating bipolar disorder?

A: Lithium carbonate is a first-line, FDA-approved treatment for bipolar disorder when used under proper medical supervision. However, it has a narrow therapeutic window (0.8-1.2 mEq/L)—levels above 1.5 mEq/L can be toxic . Regular serum monitoring is essential. Side effects can include tremor, polyuria, thyroid issues, and in rare cases, more serious effects . Always use only under professional medical care.

Q: Why is lithium carbonate critical for electric vehicle batteries?

A: Lithium carbonate is the primary raw material for synthesizing cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. For electric vehicles, high-purity lithium carbonate is converted to cathode active materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or precursor for high-nickel ternary materials (NCM, NCA) . The purity directly impacts battery performance, cycle life, and safety—hence the stringent specifications for battery grade.

Q: What are the hazards of handling lithium carbonate?

A: Lithium carbonate is classified with the following hazards:

• Harmful if swallowed (H302) — oral rat LD50: 525 mg/kg 

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319) 

• May cause irritation to skin and respiratory tract

• Not flammable, but may emit toxic fumes when heated to decomposition 

• Avoid contact with acids (releases CO₂)

• Use appropriate PPE: gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing 

Q: How should lithium carbonate be stored?

A: Storage requirements vary by grade:

• General: Store in tightly sealed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated area 

• Battery grade: Temperature ≤50°C, relative humidity ≤95%, moisture-proof packaging, avoid air contact 

• All grades: Protect from moisture (hygroscopic), keep away from acids and strong oxidizing agents 

• Shelf life: Battery grade 12 months ; other grades typically 2-5 years under proper conditions

Q: Why are there different melting point values reported?

A: The reported melting point ranges from 618-735°C depending on:

• Measurement method and conditions

• Purity grade (impurities affect melting)

• Crystalline form

• Heating rate
  All values are within acceptable range for this compound .

Q: Can lithium carbonate be used in glass making?

A: Yes, it is widely used in specialty glass and ceramics as a flux to reduce melting temperature, improve strength, and enhance optical properties. It's particularly valuable in ovenware, glass-ceramics, and technical glasses .

Q: What is the difference between immediate-release and extended-release lithium carbonate?

A:

• Immediate-release: Rapid absorption, higher peak levels, typically requires multiple daily doses

• Extended-release: Designed to release drug gradually, reducing peak-to-trough variability in blood levels, often enabling once-daily dosing 
  The choice depends on patient tolerance and treatment goals, determined by prescribing physician.

Q: How is lithium carbonate produced?

A: Commercial production methods include:

1. From lithium-containing brines: Lithium extracted from salt lake brines, purified, and precipitated with sodium carbonate

2. From spodumene ore: Ore is roasted, converted to lithium sulfate, then precipitated with sodium carbonate 

3. From recycled batteries: Emerging source as recycling technology advances
   High-purity grades require additional purification steps.

8. Delivery, Certification & Service

Delivery Capabilities

• Inventory Status: Multiple grades available from regional warehouses (US, Europe, Asia)

• Sample Program: Small quantities available for qualification and testing

• Packaging Options:

• Research quantities: 100g, 500g, 1kg, 5kg bottles or bags 

• Industrial quantities: 20kg, 25kg paper-plastic composite bags, fiber drums 

• Bulk quantities: 500kg supersacks, palletized with stretch wrap, 1 ton pallets 

• Full container loads: 20 MT for large-volume customers

• Custom packaging: Available for volume customers (IBC totes, special labeling)

• Shipping: Not regulated as hazardous for most transport modes (road, rail, sea, air) 

• Protection: Moisture-proof packaging essential; consider desiccant for humid environments

Quality Certifications

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with each batch, documenting:

• Appearance

• Assay/purity

• Impurity profile (grade-appropriate)

• Particle size (where applicable)

• Moisture content

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available in multiple languages 

• Product Specification (PS) documenting chemical composition and physical properties

• Certificates of Origin (COO) available upon request

• Additional certifications available:

• Battery grade: Full trace element analysis, ROHS report (annual) 

• Pharmaceutical grade: USP certification, DMF access, cGMP compliance statement 

• ISO 9001 quality management certification

• REACH compliance documentation

• TSCA statement 

Regulatory Compliance

• Pharmaceutical: USP monograph compliance 

• Battery: Customer-specific specifications based on cathode chemistry 

• Food/Pharmaceutical excipient: Not applicable (therapeutic ingredient)

• Export Documentation: Full compliance package for international shipping

Technical Support & Services

• Technical Consultation: Application specialists available for:

• Battery-grade specifications and testing

• Pharmaceutical formulation support

• Industrial process optimization

• Custom Services: Tailored particle size, purity specifications, and packaging for qualified customers

• Regulatory Support: Documentation for product registration and compliance

Documentation Available

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) with batch-specific data

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)

• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

• Product Specification (PS)

• Certificate of Origin (COO)

• Battery-grade full elemental analysis 

• USP certification (pharmaceutical grade) 

• ROHS report (battery grade, annual) 

• GMP compliance statement (pharmaceutical) 

• REACH/TSCA statements

• Allergen Declaration (none)

• GMO-Free Statement (not applicable)