White lithium carbonate powder is a foundational material used across multiple high-tech and industrial sectors. With a 99% purity level and an 80-mesh particle size, it offers exceptional consistency and performance needed in modern manufacturing. Closely associated compounds such as lithium hydroxide also play significant roles in the broader lithium supply chain, but lithium carbonate remains one of the most widely used lithium chemicals for industrial applications.
Understanding Lithium Carbonate
Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) is an inorganic compound appearing as a fine, white, odorless powder. It is highly valued for its stability, predictable chemical behavior, and compatibility with various processes. The quality of lithium carbonate is primarily defined by its purity and particle size distribution. A 99% purity specification ensures minimal contamination, making it suitable for industries requiring high-performance materials.
The 80-mesh granularity ensures uniformity, allowing the powder to dissolve or integrate evenly in industrial formulations. This level of refinement improves processing efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances end-product reliability.
Importance of Purity in Industrial Applications
Purity is the cornerstone of high-grade lithium carbonate. Impurities—whether metallic, organic, or structural—can negatively affect the performance of final products. In industries like battery production, ceramics, and specialty glass, impurity levels must be strictly controlled.
A 99% purity level offers several advantages:
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Improved electrochemical performance in battery applications
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Enhanced thermal and mechanical properties in ceramics and glass
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Greater stability and reactivity control during manufacturing processes
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Reduced need for additional refining, lowering production costs
High-purity lithium carbonate is therefore not just a premium product but a requirement for many precision-driven industries.
Particle Size: Why 80 Mesh Matters
Particle size is crucial to how lithium carbonate behaves during processing. An 80-mesh powder means that the majority of particles pass through an 80-mesh screen, resulting in fine and consistent granules.
Benefits of the 80-mesh grade include:
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Better dispersion in liquids and formulations
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More efficient blending in chemical and industrial mixes
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Stable reaction rates, essential for applications like catalyst production
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Uniform sintering and melting behavior in ceramic processes
This level of uniformity enhances product quality and reduces variability in production lines.
Key Industrial Applications
Lithium carbonate has become indispensable across various sectors, particularly those requiring energy storage, heat resistance, or special chemical properties.
1. Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing
Among the most critical applications is its use in producing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, energy storage systems, and more.
Lithium carbonate is used to produce cathode chemistries such as:
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Lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM/NMC)
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Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO)
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Lithium manganese oxide (LMO)
It influences battery characteristics like energy density, cycling stability, and thermal safety.
2. Ceramics and Glass
Lithium carbonate enhances the thermal and mechanical properties of ceramics and specialty glass. It lowers firing temperatures, improves thermal shock resistance, and increases overall strength.
Common applications include:
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Ovenware and cooktops
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High-strength glass panels
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Ceramic glazes
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Tiles and sanitary ware
Its ability to reduce viscosity and maintain stability makes it a preferred additive in these industries.
3. Aluminum Production
In aluminum smelting, lithium carbonate is used to reduce the melting point of alumina and improve the efficiency of electrolytic cells. This lowers energy consumption and enhances overall production output.
4. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Uses
While industrial-grade lithium carbonate is distinct from pharmaceutical-grade material, lithium salts have long been used in pharmaceutical formulations. Industrially, the compound is used for synthesizing specialty chemicals and advanced materials.
5. Rubber and Polymer Modification
Lithium compounds can serve as catalysts or stabilizers in polymer production. Lithium carbonate helps enhance elasticity, durability, and aging resistance in rubber formulations.
Advantages of 99% Pure, 80-Mesh Lithium Carbonate
A product that meets this specification offers several notable advantages across industries:
High Performance
High purity ensures reliability in sensitive processes, particularly those involving intensive electrochemical reactions.
Consistency
Uniform particle size minimizes variability and enhances the repeatability of industrial outcomes.
Efficiency
Fine powder dissolves or blends more rapidly, reducing processing times and energy consumption.
Versatility
Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications without requiring extra purification steps.
Comparison with Other Lithium Compounds
Lithium carbonate is often evaluated alongside other lithium chemicals such as lithium hydroxide and lithium chloride. While lithium hydroxide is increasingly favored for certain battery chemistries, lithium carbonate remains the backbone of many industrial processes because of its relative stability and lower reactivity.
Key differences include:
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Lithium carbonate is more stable and widely used in ceramic and glass applications.
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Lithium hydroxide is more reactive and often preferred for high-nickel battery cathodes.
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Lithium chloride is used in specialized chemical syntheses.
This diversity of lithium compounds highlights the adaptability of lithium chemistry across modern technologies.
Handling and Storage Guidelines
Proper handling ensures safety and maintains product integrity.
Storage Recommendations
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Keep in airtight, moisture-resistant containers
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Store away from acids and incompatible chemicals
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Avoid exposure to humidity, which can affect powder quality
Handling Precautions
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Use protective gloves, masks, and eye protection
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Work in well-ventilated areas
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Minimize dust formation during processing
Following these guidelines ensures safe and efficient use of the material.
Market Importance and Industrial Growth
Lithium carbonate continues to gain demand due to rising electric vehicle production, renewable energy storage systems, and advanced material manufacturing. The increasing need for high-purity lithium chemicals has driven innovation in extraction, refining, and purification technologies.
As industries transition toward green energy solutions, lithium carbonate’s role will remain fundamental—particularly in sectors requiring fine, high-purity powders for precision tasks.
Conclusion
White lithium carbonate powder with 99% purity and an 80-mesh particle size stands as a high-quality material essential to numerous industrial processes. Its consistent performance, stability, and broad usability make it a cornerstone compound in energy storage, ceramics, glass manufacturing, and chemical synthesis. As global industries continue evolving toward efficiency and sustainability, high-grade lithium carbonate will play an even more prominent role in shaping future technologies.