- Lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) is a white, crystalline inorganic compound composed of lithium (Li⁺) ions and nitrate (NO₃⁻) ions.
- It is highly soluble in water and alcohol, forming clear, colorless solutions. As a lithium salt of nitric acid, lithium nitrate is known for its oxidizing properties, thermal stability, and useful electrochemical characteristics, making it valuable across a range of industrial, chemical, and energy-related applications.
- In pyrotechnics and explosives, lithium nitrate is commonly used as an oxidizer. It helps provide oxygen to support combustion in fireworks and flares, and its lithium content gives off a bright crimson-red flame, making it desirable in colored flame compositions. Unlike some other oxidizing nitrates, lithium nitrate tends to produce a cleaner burn with minimal residue, which is ideal for aesthetic applications and high-performance formulations.
- In the field of electrochemistry, lithium nitrate plays a key role as a functional additive in lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. It is especially notable in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery systems, where it is added to the electrolyte to help stabilize the lithium anode. LiNO₃ forms a passivation layer on the lithium surface, which inhibits the formation of dendrites and suppresses the polysulfide shuttle effect, two major factors that limit the lifespan and safety of lithium–sulfur batteries. This protective film enhances cycle life, coulombic efficiency, and overall battery stability, making lithium nitrate a crucial component in advancing next-generation battery technologies.
- Thermally, lithium nitrate decomposes at elevated temperatures (around 600 °C), releasing nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and lithium oxide (Li₂O), which underscores its role as an oxidizer in thermal reactions. Because of its relatively low melting point (~264 °C) and high solubility, lithium nitrate is also used in molten salt mixtures, particularly in heat transfer fluids for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems and other high-temperature industrial processes. These molten salt systems, often composed of nitrate mixtures including sodium and potassium salts, benefit from lithium nitrate’s ability to lower the melting point and improve heat capacity.
- Additionally, lithium nitrate has niche applications in glass and ceramics manufacturing, where it is used as a fluxing agent to reduce melting temperatures and improve homogeneity. It may also be employed in corrosion inhibition and laboratory synthesis, particularly where mild oxidizing conditions are required. However, due to its oxidizing nature, LiNO₃ must be handled with care—particularly around organic materials and heat sources—to avoid hazardous reactions.
