Topic summary
Lithium carbonate
Lithium carbonate is an inorganic compound, the lithium salt of carbonic acid with the formulaLi
2CO
3.
Lithium carbonate is an important industrialchemical. It is a precursor to compounds used in lithium-ion batteries.
Glasses derived from lithium carbonate are useful in ovenware. Lithium carbonate is a common ingredient in both low-fire and high-fire ceramic glaze. It forms low-melting fluxes with silica and other materials. Its alkaline properties are conducive to changing the state of metal oxide colorants in glaze, particularly red iron oxide (Fe
2O
3). Cement sets more rapidly when prepared with lithium carbonate, and is useful for tile adhesives. When added to aluminium trifluoride, it forms LiF which yields a superior electrolyte for the processing of aluminium.