Lithium carbonate is a lithium-based compound that has been used for decades in various industries, including medical sector. This inorganic carbonate is one of the most widely used intermediary chemicals in the lithium industry, together with lithium hydroxide.
Let’s see what are the most common uses of lithium carbonate.
Rechargeable Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised the world by allowing portable devices to be more and more autonomous, easier to handle, smaller, sleeker. The increasing performance of li-ion batteries over the years have led to a longer life span, more stable batteries that can fuel electrical vehicles, smartphones, portable medical devices, etc.
The world of electronics is harvesting this lithium-fueled power for its thriving industry. While lithium is a non-renewable energy source, it’s widely used to allow sustainable energy to be produced, and it can be recycled repeatedly.
Carbon Dioxide Detection
Lithium carbonate and other alkali metal carbonates are used to produce carbon dioxide detectors, which are potentially life-saving devices, but also widely used in the industrial world. The lithium carbonate reacts with carbon dioxide, changing the reactions in a detection electrode, which can trigger a warning.
Ceramic and Glass Production
The bonding properties lithium carbonate has with silicates and other compounds make it very useful in the ceramic and glass industries. It can create vibrant, durable glazes, sealants and heat-resistant oven glasses.
Curing Cements and Adhesives
Another industrial use of lithium carbonate is curing and densifying concrete, adhesives and flooring screeds, and so on. It makes the industrial material harden faster, reducing construction times and costs.
Aluminum Industry
Lithium-aluminum alloys are more durable and weigh less than aluminum, which makes them ideal in the aeronaval industry, for example. Lithium and other compounds, like lithium chloride, are used often in the aluminum industry.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Lithium salts are proven to be very effective in treating mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, specifically its manic state. Patients who are on maintenance treatment can experience less frequent and less intense manic episodes.
Lithium carbonate medicine does have side effects and an associated risk of intoxication, so it’s very important to take it responsibly and monitor the patient during use.
It Gives the Color Red to Fireworks
Another fact that proves just how wide the applicability of lithium carbonate is, the bright red color given by lithium salts when they burn has been used for decades in the fireworks color palette. Fireworks use chemical reactions to produce the vibrant colors, and various metals give different colors when burning.
As you can see, lithium carbonate has a huge range of uses. We at Bisley International are processing lithium carbonate to produce cement densifiers, glazes, sealants and other industrial raw materials, and have been in the lithium industry for many years.
Contact us to find out how you can use lithium-based compounds for your own business.
