- Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) is an inorganic compound composed of lithium (Li⁺) and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions. It appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder or granule and is moderately soluble in water, with greater solubility in hot water than in cold. The compound is insoluble in alcohol and many organic solvents.
- It is thermally stable at room temperature but decomposes upon heating to produce lithium oxide (Li₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Lithium carbonate is the most important industrial lithium compound and serves as a primary raw material in a wide range of applications, including energy storage, medicine, ceramics, and glass production.
- In electrochemical and energy applications, lithium carbonate plays a central role as a precursor in the production of lithium-ion batteries. It is used to synthesize lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and other cathode materials. The purity of lithium carbonate is critical for battery-grade applications, as impurities can affect cell performance, cycle life, and safety. As the global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage grows, lithium carbonate has become a strategically important material, driving significant investments in lithium extraction and processing technologies.
- In the ceramics and glass industry, lithium carbonate functions as a flux, reducing the melting point of materials and improving glaze durability, thermal expansion, and appearance. It is especially valuable in the production of specialty glasses, including ceramic cooktops, ovenware, and LCD display glass, where its addition enhances thermal shock resistance and mechanical strength. It also finds use in enamel coatings and high-performance ceramics due to its influence on viscosity and sintering behavior.
- Lithium carbonate also has important applications in medicine, particularly in psychiatry, where it is used as a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). It helps reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings, especially manic episodes. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, lithium ions are believed to influence neurotransmitter signaling and intracellular pathways such as inositol phosphate metabolism and G-protein coupled receptor signaling. However, therapeutic use requires careful monitoring, as lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, and excessive levels can lead to toxicity affecting the kidneys, thyroid, and nervous system.
- From a chemical perspective, lithium carbonate is an alkaline salt that reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide and lithium salts. It also reacts with strong bases to form lithium hydroxide. It decomposes thermally at temperatures above 1300 °C:
- Li2CO3→Li2O+CO2↑Li₂CO₃ → Li₂O + CO₂↑Li2CO3→Li2O+CO2↑
- This property is utilized in the preparation of lithium oxide and related materials during high-temperature ceramic and battery processing.
- Safety and environmental considerations are important when handling lithium carbonate. Although it is not classified as highly hazardous, ingestion or inhalation of significant quantities can result in lithium toxicity, with symptoms including nausea, tremors, confusion, or renal dysfunction. Chronic exposure can also affect the thyroid and cardiovascular systems. In environmental contexts, lithium carbonate must be disposed of properly, as lithium ions can accumulate in aquatic environments and impact ecosystems. Industrial use should include appropriate measures for containment, personal protection, and waste management.
