20/12/2022
Differences between lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide
(sources Wikipedia & IEA, Global Supply Chains of EV Batteries, p.)
Li carbonate (Li2CO3) is produced from Li brine and mainly used for LCO, LMO and to produce LiOH.H2O as a precursor for compounds used in lithium-ion batteries.
SQM official webpage with current production processes of lithium carbonate and hydroxide
Li hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH.H2O)), usually produced from hard-rock spodumene, is mainly consumed in the production of cathode materials for lithium ion batteries such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium iron phosphate. It is preferred over lithium carbonate.