Introduction to Lithium Oxide

Lithium oxide (Li2O) is a compound composed of lithium and oxygen. It is a white solid that is highly reactive and can react violently with water, releasing heat and forming lithium hydroxide. Lithium oxide is commonly used in the production of ceramics, glass, and lithium-ion batteries. It is also used as a flux in metallurgy and as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions. Lithium oxide has a high melting point and is insoluble in water. It is important to handle lithium oxide with care due to its reactivity and potential hazards.

Figure 1 Characteristics of Lithium oxide

Properties of Lithium Oxide

Lithium oxide is a compound with an ionic crystal structure, which has a rhombohedral crystal structure. It has good thermal and electrical conductivity and is one of the conductive solids. Lithium oxide can absorb moisture and react with water to produce lithium hydroxide.

Physical and chemical properties of lithium oxide

Lithium oxide (Li2O) is a white powder or hard shell solid, an ionic compound. The relative density is 2.013, the melting point is 1567 ℃, the boiling point is 2600 ℃, and it begins to sublime above 1000 ℃. It is easily deliquescent, soluble in water, hygroscopic, and corrosive, and can easily absorb carbon dioxide and water in the air, generating lithium oxide with strong alkalinity; Lithium oxide can be reduced to elemental lithium by metals such as silicon and aluminum, and can also react with acids to form lithium salts. Lithium oxide belongs to hazardous chemicals and is marked as "corrosion". Lithium oxide is widely used in fields such as lithium batteries, glass ceramics, lithium chemical industry, and nuclear industry. In the field of lithium batteries, battery-grade lithium oxide is mainly used as an electrolyte material for solid lithium batteries and a positive electrode material for lithium-ion power batteries. In the field of glass ceramics, lithium oxide is mainly used as an additive to improve the performance of glass ceramics.

Application areas of lithium oxide

Battery materials: Lithium oxide and its derivatives have a wide range of applications in the battery industry, especially in the research and development of high-performance batteries. For example, lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is a common positive electrode material used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.

Ceramic industry: Lithium oxide is a key raw material for manufacturing certain special ceramics.

Glass manufacturing: Lithium oxide can be used to adjust the color and properties of glass, for example, adding it to glass can produce a blue luster.

Emergency measures for lithium oxide

Inhalation: If inhaled, please move the patient to fresh air.

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly rinse the skin with soap and water. If you feel uncomfortable, seek medical attention.

Eye contact: Separate eyelids and rinse with flowing water or saline solution. Seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

The use of lithium oxide

Lithium oxide is widely used in the battery industry, especially as a positive electrode material in lithium-ion batteries. It is also used as an additive in the glass, ceramic, and rubber industries. Lithium oxide can also be used as a raw material for preparing high-purity lithium and other lithium compounds.

Method for producing lithium oxide

A common method for preparing lithium oxide is to react with lithium metal with oxygen. This reaction is carried out at high temperatures, typically about 500 ℃. Another method is to sinter lithium hydroxide at high temperatures.

Safety information on lithium oxide

The dust and particles of lithium oxide can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. When operating and storing, protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, and respirators should be used. Lithium oxide should not come into contact with substances such as water, acid, or oxidants to avoid dangerous reactions. Be careful when handling Lithium oxide powder to avoid inhaling dust. If an accident occurs, appropriate emergency measures should be taken and professionals should be consulted on time.

Reference

[1] Radin M D, Rodriguez J F, Tian F, et al. Lithium peroxide surfaces are metallic, while lithium oxide surfaces are not[J]. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2012, 134(2): 1093-1103.

[2] Hull S, Farley T W D, Hayes W, et al. The elastic properties of lithium oxide and their variation with temperature[J]. Journal of Nuclear Materials, 1988, 160(2-3): 125-134.