Lithium Carbonate Conversion to Lithium Hydroxide Using Calcium Hydroxide: Equilibrium is Governed by Vaterite Formation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The conversion of lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) is a cornerstone industrial process for synthesizing lithium hydroxide (LiOH), a critical precursor for high-performance cathodes in advanced lithium-ion batteries. Achieving a high Li 2 CO 3 -to-LiOH yield is crucial for efficient industrial processing. However, despite its industrial relevance, the influence of concentration and equilibrium conditions on this conversion reaction remains insufficiently explored. To address this gap, we investigated the conversion reaction by varying the Li 2 CO 3 concentration and the Ca(OH) 2:Li 2 CO 3 molar ratio. Near-complete conversion yields occur below the maximum concentration threshold of 1.6 mol L –1 LiOH, while yields diminish above this limit. Sequential reaction experiments confirm that the system adheres to Le Chatelier’s principle, and reverse reactions initiated from LiOH and CaCO 3 demonstrate true equilibrium behavior. Furthermore, backward reactions involving distinct CaCO 3 polymorphs reveal different equilibrium states. Notably, the presence of vaterite alongside calcite significantly affects the equilibrium concentration of LiOH, underscoring the role of solid-phase composition in governing reaction thermodynamics. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the causticization mechanism and offer actionable insights for optimizing LiOH production in industrial settings.
Source: Inorganic Chemistry
Authors: Péter Török, Ilona Halasiné-Varga, Laurent Duvivier, Maha Maimi, Olivier Hubert, Susanna Minnaar, Pál Sipos, Chris du Plessis, Bence Kutus
Institutions: University of Szeged, Lhoist (Belgium)
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4416459243