Lithium Carbonate

Lithium

As the world’s largest Lithium chemicals producer, SQM is committed to the development and sustainability of the Lithium industry. Our commitment extends beyond the delivery of high-quality products in a timely manner and includes significant investments to secure product availability.

QLithium Carbonate Crystallized

Lithium possesses certain characteristics that enable it to be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, it has elevated electrochemical potential and is the lightest solid element at room temperature. These properties give Lithium significant advantages for its use in batteries. Another characteristic of Lithium is its high caloric capacity, which makes it advantageous in applications that involve heat transfer.

Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate is used in a variety of applications, including cathode materials for rechargeable batteries, frits for ceramic glazing and enameling, heat-resistant glass (ceramic glass), primary aluminum, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, and production of downstream lithium derivatives.

SQM produces Lithium carbonate in different grades

according to its customers’ needs:

       •      QLithium Carbonate Crystallized

       •      QLithium Carbonate Granulated

       •      QLithium Carbonate Powder

       •      QLithium Carbonate Battery Grade

Lithium Hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide is used predominantly in the production of high performance lubricating grease that can be applied in extreme temperature and load conditions. Lithium hydroxide is also used in production of cathode materials for rechargeable batteries, industrial dyes and specialty Lithium chemicals.

       •      QLubelith™ Industrial

       •      QLubelith™ Industrial Wet grade

       •      QLubelith™ Technical

       •      QLubelith™ Technical Oil coated

Lubricant greases

Lithium hydroxide is the most widely used thickening agent in multipurpose greases for automotive and industrial lubrications.

Batteries

Because of its energy density and lack of “memory effect”, Lithium-ion and lithium polymer rechargeable batteries are the most efficient power source for mobile telephones, laptops and other electronic portable devices. The batteries for new models of electric vehicles (EV, HEV) are also based on lithium compounds.

Ceramic glass

Lithium carbonate is a key component in the formulation of the ceramic glass used in flat-top cooking ranges, reducing the thermal expansion coefficient of the glass and thus making it resistant to high temperatures.

Main uses of LITHIUM

• Batteries

• Ceramic glass

• Lubricant greases

• Air conditioning

• Ceramic enamels and glazes

• Cement and adhesives

• Aluminum

• Dyes